John Pitcher

Jack’s life began on August 29, 1923 in Sister Lakes; the son of Claude J. and Loretta (O’Toole) Pitcher. He was a graduate of St. John’s High School. Jack served his country in the United States Navy during World War II in Asia and the Pacific. He was united in marriage to the former Marilyn H. Secrest on April 10, 1948 in Chicago. Jack operated Pitcher Plumbing for many years in Sister Lakes. He was also employed by Bendix and retired from Allied Steel. He was a parishioner at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sister Lakes, where he served as an usher for 30 years. Jack served on the Sister Lakes School Board for many years. He was a volunteer fireman with the Sister Lakes Fire Department and was instrumental in building the fire station. He and Marilyn volunteered with the Council on Aging, delivering Meals on Wheels for 16 years. Jack raised chickens and turkeys and always seemed to have a pet turkey nearby. His loving family includes his wife of 63 years Marilyn Pitcher of Sister Lakes, children JoAnne Pitcher of Sister Lakes, John K. (Paula) Pitcher of Bridgton, NJ, Patrick J. (Kathryn) Pitcher of Sister Lakes, and Michael T. Pitcher of Benton Harbor, grandchildren Aaron, John T., Joseph, Lawrence and Rachel Pitcher, and Caitlin Rifenberg, great grandchildren Ashton Megna, Chase and Beau Pitcher and many nieces and nephews. Jack passed away on Wednesday December 14, 2011 at Lakeland Specialty Care in Berrien Center. He is preceded in death by a sister Mary Pitcher Ribdery, a brother Claude “Pat” Pitcher and a grandson Daniel Pitcher. His family will gather with friends on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where a Rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. led by Deacon Frank Wesolowski. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church led by Father Kevin Covert. Jack will be laid to rest with military honors in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Jack at www.yazel-clark.com