Ronald "Jack" Dill

Jack Dill was a man cut from a different cloth, in a different era, a hardworking family man who devoted his life to serving his country, his community, and the people he loved. Jack was a member of our Greatest Generation, a proud veteran of World War II, who earned his share of the American Dream. Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, and an example to all who knew him. Jacks story began on a cool spring day in 1925, in the little town of Shelby, Michigan. Those were good days in this country, times of peace and prosperity, during the heyday of the Roaring 20s, and the peak of the Prohibition era. On April 5, 1925, David and Gertrude (Harjes) Dill celebrated the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Ronald. Ronald, or Jack, as he was forever called, was one of 12 children born into the family of hardworking farmers. His parents were of good German and Dutch stock, and raised their children to work hard and to live right. There was no shortage of chores to accomplish around the farm, of course, and everyone did their part. Jack had a good childhood growing up in the Shelby and Hart area, and became lifelong friends with his neighbor, Bud Fielstra. When he was a teenager, Jack met a beautiful young girl named Beverly Straley, and it was love at first sight for the two of them. They began dating, but Uncle Sam soon had other plans for the strapping young Jack. When the darkening skies of World War II thundered upon our shores, Jack was called on by his country to do his part, and he gladly answered the call. He served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 126th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, bravely battling overseas in Ardennes, France, the Rhineland and other parts of Central Europe. It was a very dangerous job, in a very dangerous place, yet Jack fulfilled his duty bravely. When the war ended Jack returned home, and promptly married his beloved Beverly, on June 25, 1946, in Hart. The newlyweds settled in Muskegon, Michigan, where Jack was working as a core maker at CWC. Ever the loyal, hardworking man he was, it would be the last job Jack ever had, where he remained his entire career. As dedicated as he was in his professional life, Jacks personal life was even more rewarding for him. He and Beverly were the proud parents of seven wonderful children over the years, with three daughters, Laurie, Kathy and Sue, and four sons, Ronald, Dennis, Douglas and Craig. Jack was a wonderful husband and father, and a great provider for his family. He was very kind and generous, and was always there for his kids when they needed him. There was nothing more important to Jack than spending time with his family, whether it was a good dinner, a quick lunch together, or just coming to visit. He especially loved watching his sons play baseball growing up. Jack retired from CWC in 1983, after 40 years of dedicated, loyal service there. He had many interests to keep him busy, of course, and enjoyed fishing, woodworking, watching football or baseball on TV, or playing cards with his friends at the VFW Post 3195 or the Fruitport Eagles, where he was a longtime member. He loved going snowmobiling with Bud, or dancing with Beverly. Most of all, Jack just enjoyed having his family around him, especially when his grandkids and great-grandkids arrived. He adored each of them, and had 18 grandkids and 20 great-grandkids over the years. He loved playing with the grandkids in the yard, and always carried quarters to give them after going out to lunch, so they could get a gumball from the machines. Jack lost his beloved Beverly in 2002, after so many wonderful years together. One of his happiest moments was the surprise anniversary party his family threw for them on their 25th anniversary in 1971. Though he missed Beverly, Jack wouldnt remain alone. His friends introduced him to a wonderful lady named Norma Halverson in February of 2004, setting them up at the Fruitport Eagles Fish Fry. They began a great relationship, and meant so much to each other. Jack died at his home on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at the age of 82. Jack was a wonderful man, who lived a wonderful life, a life dedicated to his family, his friends, and his country. Jack was a proud veteran, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, but more than anything, he was an example to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Jack is survived by his three sons, Ronald (Jan) Dill of Fruitport, Dennis (Jan) Dill of Muskegon & Douglas (Betty) Dill of Fruitport; 3 daughters, Susan (Jim) Stark of Fruitport, Kathy (Greg) Griswold of Muskegon & Laurie Beaune of Muskegon; 18 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Gertrude Campbell of Grosse Point, MI; special friend, Norma Halverson & best friend, Bud Fielstra. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly in 2002, 1 son, Craig Allen Dill & 10 brothers & sisters. Services are scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2008, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel with Pastor Frank Zenobia officiating. Visitation is Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association in memory of his wife Beverly. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.