John Frederick "Jack" Laufketter

Laufketter, John 'Jack' Frederick of Ocean Springs, MS., died Monday, June 2, 2008, in Ocean Springs. He was born August 19, 1926, and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from Webster High School, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during World War II during which he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant 4th Grade (Sgt T/4) and was decorated with the Combat Infantry Badge. After completing his military service with the 90th Infantry Division, also known as the Tough 'Ombres, he was employed as a patrolman with the Clayton Police Department. He retired after 25 years and then worked for fifteen years as a deputy for the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office and a bailiff for Judge Robert Campbell. During his career, he earned numerous awards as an expert marksman. In 1990, he retired to Ocean Springs with his wife of 57 years to be near his children. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Ocean Springs Hospital Auxiliary where he accumulated over 3000 hours of volunteer service. However, he often remarked his most significant life accomplishment was 'raising two wonderful children.' He was loved and admired by his three grandsons and adored by his great granddaughter, Ellie Kate. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Pearl Laufketter, his wife, Sally Eleanor Steward Laufketter, and his son, John Stephen Laufketter. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Lokitz and her husband, Shelly, daughter in law, Jackie Laufketter, all of Ocean Springs, grandsons Stephen Jared Lokitz and wife, Kyla of Shreveport, LA, Michael John Laufketter of Ocean Springs, Bradley Steward Lokitz and wife, Rachel of Knoxville, TN, a great granddaughter, Eleanor Kathryn 'Ellie Kate' Lokitz of Shreveport, LA, sisters, Doris Dunham of St. Louis, MO and Carol Sowlakis of Virginia Beach, VA, sister-in-law, Dorothy Koehl of Tacoma, WA, eight nieces and nephews, dear friends Benji and Joyce Levin of St. Louis, MO, godson, Bradley Jason Levin of New York City, NY, and his little Chihuahua, Vicki. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations be made in his name to the Ocean Springs Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Fund at: Ocean Springs Hospital Auxiliary, 3109 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs, MS 39564. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.