Jack Cooper Rillema

RILLEMA I,

JACK C.

Whitehall , MI

Mr. Jack C. Rillema I, age 98 passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Trinity Health surrounded by his family.

When asked to picture Jack Rillema (Sr), his many loved ones would say that sailing out on the open water, playing trombone with the Scottville Clown Band, or taking a walk with a dog come to mind. His life was one full of avid adventure and heartfelt, enduring love for his family and friends.

Born in Grand Rapids, MI on March 10, 1925 to Jacob and Edna Rillema, Jack was active from an early age. As a kid he could be found jumping trains, camping, and being a "river rat" alongside his bountiful crew of friends. In high school he earned Varsity letters in track and football, and was a member of both the Muskegon Big Red M-Club as well as the Leather Helmet Gang. Introduced by friends, high school was also when he met the love of his life, Muriel Schalk, the middle child of three beautiful sisters.

When World War II came to America's doorstep, Jack enlisted in the US Army Air Corps (later US Air Force) where he flew AT6's and P-40 Warhawks. He was stationed in Napier Field, AL for two years.

After the war, Jack returned to Michigan and married Muriel on November 22, 1947. Together, Jack and Muriel moved to Michigan State University in Lansing, MI. It was during this time that the couple met their forever friends, Jim and Pat DeMond, who would be their lifelong companions through countless summer sailing excursions and visits to the DeMonds' home in Ft. Wayne, IN.

After graduating from MSU, Jack returned to Muskegon and co-founded Commercial Press Printing. Soon after launching the business, Jack and Muriel decided to move into a new home in order to accommodate their growing family. They had two children, twins on the way, little heat, and no central air - but with lots of ambition and heart, they made a summer cottage on White Lake into their home.

Jack's love of boating led to the ownership of several vessels throughout the years: a commercial fishing tug named Al Shellswick, a sport fishing boat named Hi-Jack, and a 37' Irwin sailboat, Sunny Boy (named for first grandchild, Kyle) to list just a few. With a lengthy membership to the White Lake Yacht Club, Jack, alongside his crew - who he called his "given sons" - sailed Sunny Boy in regattas all around the Great Lakes.

Jack saw a need in the sailing community and took action by co-founding the Clipper Cup race, to be sailed from Muskegon, MI to Port Washington, WI. Intended to include families and offer a softer entry into Great Lakes racing for newcomers, the Clipper Cup continues to be run to this day.

Though he had not played since high school, at age 60 Jack dedicated himself to practicing the trombone again. He went on to join his beloved Scottville Clown Band in 1992 and became a Life Member in 2012. He marched in parades until age 95.

Jack remained active with the Air Force reserve for 20 years following WWII, earning the rank of Major. He was always proudly patriotic. His love of flight remained with him throughout his life, and he last took the controls of a plane at age 97 alongside friends Col. William Pond USAF and Cami DeMond.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Muriel, in 2017. Those who knew and loved Jack celebrate the truly robust and contented 98 years of life that he lived.

Jack C. Rillema is survived by his children: Judith Morsinkhoff, Susan (Rusty) Streblow, Jill (Kris) Landman, and Jack (Karolyn) Rillema II, as well as his grandchildren: Kyle (Lea) Streblow, September (Simon) Dykema, Andrew and Jonathan (Melissa) Morsinkhoff, Holly (Steven) Schmiedeknecht, Hannah (Zach) Totten, Hope (Chris) Wegrzyn, Mackenzie Landman, and his great-grandchildren: Rylan Dykema, Kason, Josiah, and Lilah Grace Morsinkhoff, Elsie, Sydney, Walter, and Naomi Schmiedeknecht, and Maya Totten,

A visitation at 11am followed by a memorial gathering at 12 noon will be held on Saturday, February 24th at Clock Funeral Home in Muskegon, MI. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to either the Scottville Clown Band or the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Visit clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.