John Theodore Wack

John T. Wack December 18, 1934 - October 8, 2022
John Theodore Wack, 87, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Wheeling Hospital's Continuous Care Center. John was born in South Bend IN to a large closely-knit family centered around Notre Dame University. He attended college and graduate school there and became known as "Moose" after a famous Notre Dame football player. He received his PhD in History and joined the faculty at Wheeling College (later Wheeling Jesuit University) in 1963. His oldest brother Tom joined him at Wheeling College in 1965 to teach English, and John became an integral part of Tom's family, more than an uncle to his 6 children but a friend and advisor in many things.
Former faculty members and students at Wheeling College remember him with great respect and warmth. He was known as a consummate lecturer and his classes were always filled. He introduced new courses on Native Americans and Appalachian history that students say still resonate in their daily lives. Faculty members saw him as a mentor, especially during tough times. He was tremendously knowledgeable about many subjects and was happy to share and debate over a beer at his favorite local pub Ye Old Alpha.
John was very close to his numerous other nephews and nieces. To say he was beloved by them is an understatement. During his tenure at the College, 6 of his nephews and nieces attended and graduated.
He acquired along with his brother Tom a camp on Big Wheeling Creek that he called Kicking Bear Lodge. In his retirement years he enjoyed hosting family and friends and holding annual retreats for former students. John was the son of George and Eleanor Wack and brother to Tom, Jim, and Marianne. He is survived by two sisters, Joanne and Margie, 34 living nephews and nieces, and many friends. A service of celebration will be held in South Bend, Indiana.
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