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Jack Rife Obituary
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Jack served in the U.S. Navy as a Gunner's Mate Seaman aboard the U.S.S. Cone during the Korean War from 1948 – 1952.
On Dec. 27, 1952, in Butler, IN he married Shirley Faulkner.
Jack worked at his father's dry-cleaning business as a youth, and continued at several other dry cleaners throughout his life, including over 25 years at Vogue Cleaners in Warsaw, IN.
He was an active member of the Lions Club for 20+ years. He was heavily involved with the Boy Scout's Exploring program for nearly 40 years, including starting Explorer Post 67, serving as Committee Chairman, District Exploring Chairman, and Council Exploring Trainer. He earned the Anthony Wayne Area Council Patch, District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver Award.
Jack was an avid sailor. After teaching himself how to sail in the early 1970's, he went on to sail into more than 200 different Great Lakes ports, the Apostle Islands, the North Channel, and the Thousand Island region of Lake Ontario. He also took advantage of the many lakes in and around Warsaw to sail or pontoon on.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Rife of Rensselaer; two daughters, Trina Hoy (spouse: Roger Aguilar) of Warsaw and Aurora de Jong (spouse: Derek de Jong) of Rensselaer; six grandchildren: Kalee Tuggle of Claypool, IN, Shyloh Lawrence (spouse: Nick Lawrence) of Leesburg, IN, Doron de Jong of Portage, IN, Caleb de Jong (spouse: Kayla de Jong) of Rensselaer, Aaron de Jong (spouse: Bree de Jong) of Kirklin, IN, and Brennen de Jong of Rensselaer; and three great-grandchildren: Kyla Wood of Ft. Wayne, IN, Melody Tuggle and Maggie Tuggle, both of Warsaw, IN.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Appleby; son-in-law Mitch Appleby; and his parents, Leo and Bessie Rife.
Private burial will take place at Weston Cemetery in Rensselaer. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Jack's name to Elara Caring Hospice, 958 Mezzanine Drive, Suite C, Lafayette, IN 47905.
Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Patt Hygema
June 4, 2024
I have known Jack for many many years. Some of my first memories are of him as my oldest son´s Scout leader and friend! He taught Loran to sail on Winona Lake! That was the first thing Loran said when I told him of Jacks passing! He and his wife Shirley brought coffee to the Women of the Word Sunday school class at Warsaw Wesleyan church. He also video taped the church services every Sunday for years and selflessly copied and distributed the tapes to shut ins of the church! He will be missed by the many friends here in Warsaw! Shirley, I speak for the WOW class ladies in offering our deepest sympathies and continued prayers !
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