Cover photo for Jack M. Gothard's Obituary
Jack M. Gothard Profile Photo
1941 Jack 2021

Jack M. Gothard

April 4, 1941 — December 8, 2021

Jack M. Gothard, age 80, sadly passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Bronson Battle Creek. He was born in Dayton, Tennessee on April 4, 1941, the son of Earl and Lucille (Poole) Gothard. Jack graduated from Pennfield High School with the Class of 1960 and faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he went to work at Stan Lassen's Pontiac Buick Cadillac and then moved on to work & retire from the Battle Creek Federal Center after more than 30 years. He also worked many years for The Salvation Army and retired from there in 2020.

Jack married the "Love of His Life", Mary R. VanDenberg at the Battle Creek Salvation Army Church on June 25, 1960. He is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Mary; two children, Marcella (Roger) Priestley of South Dakota and Scott (Tracie) Gothard of Battle Creek; two grandchildren, Raegan & Amara Gothard; his sisters, Bobbie Ward, Laura Wedl, and Patsy Gothard; his brother, Ron Gothard; and several nieces & nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary R. Gothard and EllaDean Hensley.


Jack was a very active member at the Battle Creek Salvation Army Church, where he served as a Corps Sergeant-Major, as an Advisory Board & Corps Council member, a Sunday School teacher, and a Rangers youth group leader. He truly enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and camping, and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed attending classic car shows, playing horseshoes, and giving back to the community. He never met a stranger, was a friend to all, and thoroughly enjoyed helping others and treated everyone like family.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 20th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where funeral services to celebrate Jack's life will be held 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 21st. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Disabled Veterans or The Salvation Army. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Jack may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Monday, December 20, 2021

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care

105 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017

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Celebration of Life

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Starts at 12:30 pm (Eastern time)

Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care

105 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017

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