John Edward "Jack" Risch

John "Jack" Edward Risch, age 87 of Laingsburg passed away Saturday, May 21, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 6, 2022, at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 310 N. Crum St., Laingsburg, MI 48848. Rev. Fr. Anthony Brooks will celebrate. Interment immediately following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Laingsburg. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 5, 2022, with the rosary prayed at 7:00 PM, at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 203 East First North St., Laingsburg, MI 48848 as well as one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Jack was born October 18, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Arthur and Dorothy (Engel) Risch. He was a graduate of Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, Wisconsin and obtained his undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee. He served in the Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1961. He went on to earn his master's degree from Stanford University in California in a record time of 9 months to hurry back to the love of his life, Julie. They were married on September 23, 1961, in Mukwonago, Wisconsin and lived on a small farm in Michigan where they raised their eight children. Jack worked as a Civil Engineer for the State of Michigan as a bridge expert and successfully implemented the newly invented orthotropic deck for bridge systems; specifically, the local bridge on Creyts Road in Lansing. To recognize Jack for his 38 years of service, a rest stop was named after him in Bruce Crossing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Jack was a faithful member of St. Isidore Catholic Church for more than 60 years. He made altar wine for over 45 years and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Jack never knew a stranger and was well known in the area when he passed by with a friendly wave. He was always willing to give a helping hand when needed. He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life; cutting wood in his sawmill, fishing, eating ice cream, his love Julie, the children, and grandchildren. He always had time to share a story and show his genuine appreciation for those around him. He will be sorely missed.
Jack is survived by his wife; Julie, their children; Mike (Candy) Risch, Lisa (Mark) Pearce, Sue Risch, Mary Risch, Steve (Debra) Risch, Rita (Dicky) Walia, Anne (Tom) VerPlank, John (Sarah) Risch, their grandchildren; Elizabeth, Emma, & Marin Risch, Courtney & Nick Pearce, Julia & Brandon Walia, Glenn (Chang) & Grant Gerwatowski, Max & Natasha VerPlank, his siblings; Lois (Tony) Bauer, Thomas (Kayleen) Risch, Daniel (Kathy) Risch, Robert Risch, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; Arthur and Dorothy Risch, and his siblings; Arthur William Risch, Sister Lois Risch, Ronnie O'Leary, Bonnie (Jim) Bauer, and William Risch.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jack's name can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at https://lovetotherescue.org/memorial-gifts/.
Online condolences may be shared at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com.