John "Jack" Mixer

With a life that spanned nearly a century, John Jack Mixer enriched the lives of so many others around him. He was both fun-loving and even-tempered with a special way of putting those around him at ease whether his family, his friends, or his patients. Jack accomplished many things of which to be proud, yet he was a humble man whose happiness was found in the love he shared with those he held dear. Life will never be the same without him here, but the memories he leaves behind will be lasting treasures in the hearts and lives of many. During the year 1918 the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young men were serving in WWI. Although America had hopes of remaining neutral, repeated acts of hostility left us with no choice but to engage in the fight for the preservation of our freedom in 1917. The world was filled with nothing but joy for one young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on October 11, 1918. John Clark was the fourth of five children born to his parents, Clark and Clara (Anderson) Mixer, and was raised in the family home in Muskegon Heights alongside his brothers, Robert and Daniel, and his sisters, Virginia and Lois Put. His father was a successful dentist in the area who was also involved in local politics while his mother was a busy wife, mother, and homemaker. Jack, as he was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He was more laid back and free-spirited than his brothers, which prompted his father to tell him that he would end up shoveling sand at the foundry if he didnt apply himself at school! Jack enjoyed the outdoors and doing things like camping and hunting with his father and brothers. During the winter months he and his buddies often went skiing in the dunes along Lake Michigan. When he was 15 he was in a hunting accident that resulted in a lengthy recovery and a year of school lost. He played drums in the band at Muskegon Heights High School where he made lifelong friends including Max Busard. After graduating from high school in 1937, Jack went on to Muskegon Junior College for two years. From there he went on to the dentistry program at Baylor University in Texas where his brother, Bob had attended. Having worked hard, Jack graduated with honors and returned to Muskegon to join his father, and brother's, in the practice of dentistry. He filled in taking care of his brother Dans patients while Dan was serving during WWII. When his brother returned Jack officially joined his fathers practice. Not to be forgotten during this time was Jacks introduction to the woman with whom he would write a love story that would span more than 65 years. Her name was Doris Lundberg, and she was a friend of his sister, Lois. They shared their first date on New Years Eve and found themselves deeply in love shortly thereafter. With a desire to build a life together Jack and Doris were married on March 30, 1946, at The First Congregational Church. Together Jack and Doris were blessed with four children: John in 1947, Scott in 1949 Anne in 1951, and Marsha in 1954. They eventually settled in the Glenside neighborhood of Muskegon with extended family members nearby. Jacks family was always a priority in his life, and they enjoyed spending time together, too. They loved camping in their trailer and made longer journeys together every summer to places like Glacier National Park and to see the Rocky Mountains. These trips were times they all loved, and they provided Jack with the opportunity to pass his love for nature on to his children. At times these trips also included other families as well. Summers usually found them at the Mixer family cottage on Bear Lake in Muskegon for weeks at a time. The kids loved catching fish during the day and then keeping them in the bathtub until Jack got home to clean them. Unfortunately, their family was given a tough pill to swallow when Jacks son, Scott, and his granddaughter, Sally, were killed in a car accident in 1988. When his father retired Jack took over the family practice. In the 1950s he and several other area dentists built a location on Ransom Street in Muskegon where he remained until he retired after 49 years of practice. Jack loved his work and it showed in the way he treated his staff and patients. They all loved him, too, and he perfected the art of making his patients feel at ease. Jack always used his Donald Duck voice to make his youngest patients laugh. He was also the president of the Muskegon Dental Society for a time and member of the American Dental Association. A lifelong resident of the area, Jack was involved in the community. He was a longtime member of the Muskegon Country Club where he loved playing golf with his buddies. Jack was also a member of the Muskegon Heights Kiwanis Club, the Muskegon Elks, and a faithful lifelong member of First Congregational Church. Jack and Doris were both very social people with many friends. They enjoyed going to parties and out dancing. Taking care of his yard was a labor of love for Jack as he took great pride in having it look nice. During their later years Jack and Doris enjoyed more time for doing what they loved. They began traveling more including several trips to Europe and cruises as well. Both Jack and Doris loved being grandparents, and priceless memories were made during family gatherings at Johns cottage on Stoney Lake. Although he had some health challenges and underwent several knee surgeries, Jack never skipped a beat. As they slowed down during their sunset years, Jack and Doris moved into a condo where they continued to pluck away at their cribbage game that went on for years. During the past five years Doris was a wonderful caregiver to Jack as his health declined. A man who was content in all things, John Jack Mixer lived a life filled with unending devotion to his family. A man who often whistled a tune that reflected the genuine happiness that was in his heart, Jacks warm demeanor, thoughtful acts and kind words will be deeply missed by many. John Jack Mixer died on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. Jacks family includes his wife, Doris; son, Dr. John (Carolyn) Mixer of Muskegon; daughters, Anne (Richard Harrington) Mixer of Vermont, Marsha Mixer of Traverse City; daughter-in-law, Alice (Bill Schafer) Mixer; grandchildren, Tobias Mixer, Kathryn Brady, Jessica Armock, Charles Mixer, Scott Mixer, Kyle Shack, Michael Shack; 13 great grandchildren; and brother, Dan Mixer. Jack was preceded in death by his son, Scott; granddaughter, Sally; brother and sisters, Robert, Virginia & Lois. A Private Family Service will be held. Visitation will be held on Friday, 5-7 p.m. at the Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to First Congregational Church or Dr. Jack & Doris Mixer Fund-Muskegon Community Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.