Jack Jonas

Jack J. Jonas, age 88, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Maplecrest Manor in Ripon.

Jack was born in Ripon on November 7, 1932, the son of Erve E. “Papa” and Grace J. “Mama” (Grota) Jonas. He graduated from Ripon High School and went on to further his education at Ripon College. In 1952 he married Nancy Ann Ninneman at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ripon. He worked as a project engineer at Speed Queen for many years. Jack was an official for Ripon area high school football and basketball games, and in his humble opinion, he was the best official and the head official. He was a servant leader, always putting the needs of others first and helping them develop to reach their full potential. Jack enjoyed his morning and evening card clubs where he mostly played Sheepshead, was a connoisseur of Korbel, and spent most of his days wearing shorts. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and they may have actually kept him living as long as he did. Most of all, Jack valued his family and friends.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Nancy Jonas of Ripon, WI; his five children, Sara (Wayne Hunt) Draeger of Verona, WI, Jack (Carlene) Jonas of Watertown, WI, Peter (Nancy) Jonas of Whitefish Bay, WI, Tim (Anne) Jonas of Waterloo, WI, and Dan (Pam) Jonas of Ripon, WI; grandchildren, Jessica Scully, Nick (Katie) Draeger, Katie (André) Ost, Mel (Sean) Askay, Kevin (Katie) Jonas, Sam (Natalie) Jonas, Casey (Brianna) Jonas, Brice and Carson Jonas; step-grandchildren, Emma (James Niehoff), Donna, Alex, and Davina; great-grandchildren, Camdyn, Dawson, Damian, CJ, and Sloan, Elyse, Clara, Davis, Nina, Budd Budd, Ian, and Liam; step-great-grandchildren, Kimberly, Jason, Max and Bradley; a sister-in-law, Joanne Jonas; and many nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erve and Grace Jonas; and a brother, Lester Jonas.

A private memorial mass for Jack will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon, with Reverend Robert A. Fictum officiating. A simultaneous livestream of Jack's memorial mass can be viewed at 11:00 am on Monday, January 11, 2021. Inurnment will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Jack's name may be directed to the Ripon Children's Learning Center, 400 W. Oshkosh St., Ripon, WI 54971. Jack's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of Maplecrest Manor and all the doctors and nurses over the years for their wonderful care of Jack and his family.

Memorial Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Ripon, WI


God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around you, and whispered "Come to me."
With tearful eyes we watched you, as you slowly slipped away
And though we loved you dearly, we couldn't make you stay.
Your golden heart stopped beating, your tired hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
By: Frances and Kathleen Coelho

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