Jack Norman Limmer

1936 - 2021

Jack Norman Limmer

Redding - Jack Norman Limmer died on June 1, 2021 in Redding California.

This quiet unassuming man with a dry sense of humor was true to his name and was a jack of all trades. He could fix almost everything, and never afraid to do any of the jobs he asked of his employees. As a family man, he was able to bring together a uniquely blended cohesive family that all gathered together for holidays and family events.

Jack was born in Jackson, Michigan to Mildred and Norman Limmer on April 18, 1936. Jack graduated from Jackson High School in 1954. Then on to Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor's of Arts in Business and Restaurant Management in 1958. He met his first wife Judith Ann Arvidson at Michigan State while working in the girls dorm as a bus boy. They married in 1957 and went on to have four children.

After graduation from Michigan State, he went on to work for the University of Michigan as Food Service Manager in Alice Lloyd Dormitory. By the time he left he had become the Manager of that residence hall.

Wanting a change, he went to work for Economic Lab. He first trained in Dearborn for a year and a half, then moving to North Olmstead, Ohio to take over his own territory. This is where he met the Ansara brothers who owned Bob's Big Boy Restaurants. In one of his many stories he told of being invited to sit down and have lunch with Michael Ansara and Barbara Eden.

He soon grew tired of the constant traffic and being pulled away from family at dinner time, so he moved his family to Mancelona, Michigan, where he and his wife Judy purchased a large Victorian home that they restored. While there, hip deep in snow he noticed that no one showed up at the volunteer fire department when the alarm went off, so of course he joined the fire department. This way he could have access to fire equipment in case his own house caught fire. Unfortunately in his excitement to go fight his first fire he didn't notice that he had backed over and totally demolished his son's sled in the driveway.

Tired of the cold winters in Michigan, Jack moved his family to California where he accepted a position at Humboldt State College as Assistant Director of Housing. He worked there for several years. He became involved in and helped to reopen and restore the Ferndale Little Theater. Before leaving Humboldt State he met and his second wife Rita Drake. They would be married for almost 48 years and have one son together.

Wanting to be his own boss, he went back to restoring Victorians in Eureka, CA. He then received his Real Estate License in 1973 and Brokers License in 1975. Becoming one of partners in Sellers Realty, that eventually became Coldwell Banker Sellers Realty. In 1991 we was honored with Realtor of the year for Humboldt County. Jack retired from Real Estate in 2012 after obtaining the status of Realtor for Life and moved to Redding for better flying weather.

Jack obtained his pilot's License in 1993. Then went on to encourage and support his wife to fly. They were both part owners of a 1965 Cessna 172. They sold that plane to the other owner and purchased another 1965 Cessna 172 here in Redding.

"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return" - Leonardo Da Vinci

Jack was a member of the Jaycees in Michigan and later the Rotary Club of Arcata. Earning three Paul Harris Fellows that help fight Polio around the world, receiving Rotarian of the Year in 2005-2006. He was also a member of the Michigan State Alumni Association, AOPA ,The Flying Rotarians, EAA and a proud 49 1/2.

He also served on the Jacoby Creek School Board, Humboldt County Board of Realtors, where he held various positions. Humboldt State Presidents Partnership Campaign and helped to restore and serve on the Humboldt County Airports advisory committee.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Norman Limmer and a brother Thomas Limmer.

He is survived by his sister, Susan Pryor of Jackson, Michigan. His first wife and friend, Judith Knight, his second wife of 48 years, Rita Limmer and five children; David Limmer and husband Brian Rice, Roger Limmer and his wife Jennifer Lai, Gregory Limmer and his wife Heidi, Kirsten Roberts and her husband Art and Daniel Limmer and his wife Ji. Five grandchildren; Benjamin Roberts, Jacob Roberts, Mia Limmer-Lai, Scott Limmer and Haley Limmer. Sister in-law Rose Limmer and many nieces and nephews. Jack was extremely proud of all his children and grandchildren.

Jack was a big believer in wiping out Polio from around the world. If so inclined, please donate to : Rotary International for PolioPlus at rotary.org/en/donate or Rotary Club of Arcata Education Fund (RCAEF) c/o Humboldt Area Foundation 363 Indianola Rd. Bayside, CA 95524.

The Family would like to thank the staff at Shasta Regional Hospital, Copper Ridge and Willow Springs Care Facilities.

As Jack would want it, there will be a celebration of life at a later date.