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BORN
1939
DIED
2014
Jack Hood Obituary
Jack E. Hood, 74, of Valparaiso passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2014 due to injuries sustained in a car accident on August 5th. He was born October 4, 1939 in Decatur, Illinois, graduated from Tuscola High School and served with the U.S. Navy. Jack enjoyed his life as an entrepreneur, owning and operating Jack Hood Transportation, Express Newspapers, Inc., Kelsey's Steak House of Valparaiso and Portage, IN, and J and P Racing. He built the largest privately-owned newspaper hauling business in the United States, covering 38 states, Jack always joked that he had the "world's largest paper route." At the age of 70, he and his wife purchased Kelsey's Steak House. The restaurant was featured on the Travel Channel. Jack employed over 600 people between his various businesses. One of his greatest loves was his involvement with Peggy in the horse racing business. Over 34 years they owned hundreds of race horses and regularly attended the races at Sportsman's Park and more currently at Balmoral Park. Gil Levine, the former announcer at Sportsman's Park would refer to them as the "Hoods of Valparaiso." Over 30 years ago, Jack initiated another partnership with Dennis Lakomy of Mystical Marker Farms. Many prize winning horses emerged from this relationship. Among Jacks favorites were Kelly's Keepsake, Champion On Ice, a world champion, and two Hambletonian starters, Classic Photo and Man of Many Missions. On August 29, 1980 he married Peggy (Rives) Hood who survives along with children: Doug Hood of California, Stacy (Dale) Hood-Forney of Chesterton, Michelle Prosser of Valparaiso, Greg Hood of Canada, Jeff (Lisa) Hood of Chesterton, Cathy (Scott) Howard of Valparaiso, Heather (Jeff) Klingler of Valparaiso, Chris (Kelli) Hood -Bennett of Wanatah, grandchildren: Daniel, Jonathan, Nikki, Jackie, Justine, Blake, Steven, Cody, Bailey, Grant, Taya, Evan, Logan, Hunter, Emma & Owen and great grandchildren: Cadence, Gwen & Ava. He was preceded in death by one son, Art Prosser, and grandson Bret Laczynski. A "Sharing of Memories Service" will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday August 10, 2014 at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with Visitation from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday 11:00 am, with Visitation starting at 10 am until the time of service. Committal Service will follow at Graceland Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. MoellerFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bob Chorak
August 3, 2023
He was a SUPER PERSON R I P JACK
August 14, 2014
Dear Peggy, Children, Family, Friends.
Jack Hood, is one of our Heroes! We believe these words describe Jack's love, kindness, and great compassion toward life and his legacy.
"Do all the good you can,
by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can,
in all the places you can,
at all the times you can,
to all the people you can,
as long as you can".
Jack, You are the best there is,
The best there was,
And the best there ever will be.
Bob, Jason, Jamie, Hague
P.S. Now, we all know, you also have the;
"Largest paper route in Heaven"! GOD BLESS
Donna Barton
August 14, 2014
Peggy, I left Valpo after Roadside burnt down but have kept in touch with all my friends from there. I hope you will remember me? As soon as they hear about Jack they notified me right away. I respected Jack not only as a boss but as a friend and I have met many people in the suburbs in Chicago that have know both of you. Small world. Please Except my sincere sympathy in Jack's passing. Your family is in my prayers. Please pass that on to all the kids. My heart goes out to all of you. Donna K. Barton Darien, IL
Janet Marx
August 11, 2014
Peggy, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Jack will be missed...
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August 11, 2014
Dearest Mrs.Hood and family,
Harvey and I are deeply sorry to hear of Mr.Jack's passing, You are all in our hearts and prayer's. We are so blessed to have been able to work for and know such a great man. Prayer's of love in this your time of need, Tammy Banther
August 10, 2014
We are thinking of you, Greg, and your family during this difficult time. Your dad will be missed by many. We are sure he was just as proud of you as you were of him. Tim and Linda
Tracie Fritz
August 10, 2014
I am not sure if you all would remember me from a very long time ago, Tracie Hume (Fritz) I was friends with Cathy, Greg and Jeff. My deepest sympathies to you all. May God give you strength and peace.
Laurie Allen
August 10, 2014
You have our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.
Laurie, Chris and Kyle Allen
(Jerry and Sharon Bacon's daughter and grandsons)
Robert Joros
August 10, 2014
Dear Peggy and Hood family. Me deepest condolences to all. I will never forget Jack yet alone your family. Remember the old 'another roadside attraction'? I wish I could be there but due to schedule and work I could not but I'm thinking of all of you. I told Greg Fox as well, remember him? We both washed dishes at another roadside. God Bless you all. Sincerely, Robert Joros
DeDee Wallace Fosco
August 10, 2014
Dear Peggy and family,
It's been a long time and meeting you and Jack a long time ago we had a lot of laughs and good times.May he continue to be happy at God's Poker Table.
My Love and Sympathy
C.Bruce Campbell
August 10, 2014
In our thoughts and prayers
Michael & Peggy Morningstar
August 10, 2014
Our sympathies to you and your family. Our prayers are with you.
David Partridge
August 10, 2014
FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK GOD FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET JACK, AND TO TELL HIM HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE ALL THAT HE HAS DONE FOR ME &MY FAMILY.I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT THE DAY JEFF INTRODUCE HIM,THE WAY HE WALKED INTO THE ROOM TAKEING THE TIME TOO MEET &GREET EACH AND EVERY MANAGER.THE CALM SPIRIT THAT HE HAD MOVED ACROSS THE ROOM,IT WAS LIKE I KNEW HIM MY HOLD LIFE.IV'E HEARD THE STORY ABOUT HOW JACK HOOD GOT STARTED,BUT TO HEAR HIM TELL IT WAS SO MOVEING AND HELP ME UNDERSTAND THE PERSON HE TRUELY IS,WHEN HE WAS DONE SPEAKING,IT WAS LIKE A GRACEFUL SPIRIT CAME INTO THE ROOM,HE GRACEFULLY WALK OUT&SAID THANK U ALL FOR WHAT YOU DO.& AGAIN I WOULD LIKE TO SAY,NO THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!!! YOU & YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART,PRAYERS&APART OF MY LIFE STORY. & WITH LOVE GOD BLESS!!
Doug Bailey
August 9, 2014
Peggy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that Jack left behind a legacy that has forever changed my life. He was my hero and I had such a great love and respect for him. I lost my father at a very young age and many times Jack shared with me life lessons that I greatly appreciated and respected. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. May God continue to bless your family and offer you comfort in this difficult time.
Love,
Doug and Susan Bailey
Stella Davis
August 9, 2014
Deepest sympathies to all of his many friends and family. We send love and prayers. May God bless you all!
mark fredson
August 9, 2014
thoughts and prayers to all
CARROLL BANNISTER
August 9, 2014
TO THE FAMILY OF JACK HOOD
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY WE ARE PRAYING FOR GOD TO GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH THIS SUDDEN LOSS OFF YOUR LOVED ONE. GOD BLESS HE KNWS BEST AND WILL HEAL YOU IN THE DAYS TO COME. I SPEAK FOR THE DRIVERS OF JACK HOOD COMPANY,INDIANAPOLIS STAR & NEWS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL !! MR. CARROLL BANNISTER & FAMILY
Ilia Diaz
August 8, 2014
God Bless the Hood Family may He give them strength...Jack Hood a Father much loved!
Beverly Coffee
August 8, 2014
My thoughts and Prayers for the Family. I am Truly Sorry to hear this sad news.. May God send his angels to wrap you in Peace knowing he is with Our Heavenly Father.
Billy
August 8, 2014
To the only boss I ever had. You are the man.
When Bud Stauffer hired me out of a bar in 1989 (just after I got my butt beaten) I thought I was just passing through another job. But Jack saw something in me that I still don't see today.
Jack I love you boss.
And you never knew exactly how crazy I was but now you have a vantage with my mother in heaven to see how actually nuts I am.
To the hood family Jeff, Doug, Ms Peggy love you quys. What a great family.
Billy Fraher
August 8, 2014
To Doug, Stacy, Greg ,Jeff My heart goes out to you and your Families. Jack was a really great guy, I'll always remember all the fun we had when Mom,Dad, Kay and I would come for visits. Jack was more of a brother than a cousin to Kay and me. And I really do wish I'd have gone and visited more often. He was always there when you needed him, He loved his Uncle Bill and Aunt Tiny. GOD has a very very wonderful man to help him out. And please remember your dad will always be there for you!
BOB CHORAK
August 8, 2014
A WONDERFULL MAN HAS BEEN LOST. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
August 8, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the family. John and Kelly Owen
Denise Martin
August 8, 2014
Please accept my deepest of condolences during this very difficult time, Peggy. You are in my thoughts and prayers and those of many others at Four Winds.
Quinn Cochrane
August 8, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Teresa Shell- Hunt
August 7, 2014
My heart is heavy tonight, due to the tragic traffic fatality of this wonderful man and a dear friend. Jack Hood found my dad to have high integrity and work ethic. Subsequently, Mr. Hood hired my dad to run one of his print media delivery operations. When my dad became to ill to continue the job, Mr. Hood was kind enough to let my (then husband), take over the delivery operation. When my then husband and I were trying to purchase a home, Mr. Hood loaned us the money to begin the purchase. Mr. Hood gave my mom and dad financial help, even after my dad had been gone from Mr. Hood's operation for a while.
Jack Hood didn't just "talk the talk". Jack Hood "walked the walk" as well. He practiced what he preached!
As I stated above, my heart is heavy tonight! However, I do know that Mr. Jack Hood was one of my life blessings. God is in the blessings and miracle business, and God showed it by putting Mr. Jack Hood in my, and my family's, lives.
Jack Hood proved that our "founding fathers" were correct. If you work hard, and do it in the manner that God said to work hard, you will be a success and be a very loved person.
Jack Hood was a very loved and respected person, particularly with my family.
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104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383
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