John Martin Jereck

John Martin Jereck, 85, of Augusta, Michigan died peacefully on Monday, February 21, 2022.

John was born March 27, 1936 at home in Battle Creek, Michigan to Martin and Mary (Ozanich) Jereck. He grew up in Battle Creek, was a 12-year student and 1954 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central. John earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree from the University of Detroit; and his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law. John began his career with the N.A. Cobb Law Firm in Battle Creek. He was elected and served as the Calhoun County Prosecutor for six years. Most of his career was as an attorney and sole practitioner, until retiring in 2010.

John Martin Jereck was united in marriage on August 17, 1957 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, to the girl who first caught his eye in the seventh grade, Judith Lee Steinbacher. Surviving are his wife Judy, five daughters, Mary Elizabeth (T.J.) Ackert of Grand Rapids, Patricia Ann (Michael) Zakem of Grand Rapids, Carolyn Marie (James) Walainis of Grand Rapids, Jeanine Marie (Philip) Keller of Clarkston, Ann Marie (Tim) Sheridan of Grand Rapids; eleven grandchildren, Erin (Joe) Bollinger, Caitlin (Charlie Gullickson) Ackert, Danny (Kristen) Ackert, Gwendolen Keller, John Keller, Gretel Keller, Ingrid Keller, Margaret Sheridan, Jack Sheridan, Elizabeth Sheridan, Katherine Sheridan and one great-granddaughter, Dylan Ackert.

John was preceded in death by his parents; niece, Kathleen Sartor Caulley and three sisters, Anna (Louie) Sartor, Tillie Jereck and Helen (Luther) Bilson.

John was a member of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Augusta. He always cherished St. Philip Roman Catholic Church as his home, where he was baptized, received first communion, was confirmed, married and where his faith grew throughout his life. While in high school he was a standout in multiple sports and was offered several college scholarships and eventually, an offer from the Green Bay Packers. He was elected to the St. Philip Catholic Central Sports Hall of Fame.

John loved good food, music, singing and he danced light on his feet. He loved his country and was an avid Detroit Tiger and Notre Dame fan. John emphasized the importance of faith, family and education. John will be remembered for his dedication to his profession, overcoming obstacles with perseverance, as a devoted friend and mentor and for the love and pride he had for his family.

A visitation with John's family will take place on Sunday, February 27th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. The Rosary will be recited 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Robert Johansen 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 28, 2022. Committal and interment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Foundation, 63 N. 24th Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, dogood.t2t.org /2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10303. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.