Jeffrey Allen Mack

Jeffrey A. Mack, 79, of St Joseph, formerly of Hartford passed away on Aug. 1, 2023, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. The family has entrusted Calvin Funeral Home of Hartford with cremation and funeral arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com. Celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, at Calvin Funeral Home, 8 E. Main St., Hartford, MI 49057. Burial will follow in Keeler Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. with full military rites ceremony provided by North Berrien Military Rites team.

Jeff was born on Sept. 24, 1943, to Ralph and Marion (Burnette) Mack in South Bend, Ind. He enjoyed his childhood years in Keeler, where he attended country school, rode his horse, Lady, over dirt roads and orchard trails, and had fun hanging out with his family and good buddies. He attended Culver Military Academy his freshman year and went on to graduate from Dowagiac Central High School in 1961, where he competed in football and wrestling. Following high school, he attended Western Michigan University as well as University of Chattanooga.

Jeff joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve serving from 1962-1968. He married Patricia A. Webb in June of 1970. They celebrated 42 years of marriage together. Pat preceded Jeff in death in 2012.

Jeff was retired from a successful career in the field of refrigeration sales beginning with Rudy Manufacturing, Dowagiac, and eventually for Emerson Electric and Parker Hannifin. He made many life-time friends over the years that he kept in touch with, not only from his career but from service in the Marine Corps Reserve and from college.

Jeff and Pat relocated several times. They resided many years in Solon, Iowa and several years in Kohler, Wis. He finally moved back in the early 1980’s to reside in his childhood home, his beloved lake house, in Keeler Township, Hartford.

Being an avid runner, Jeff won many medals while competing in races and marathons around the country. He was a dog lover and rescued several Irish Setters over the years. Jeff had a good sense of humor as evidenced by the many funny stories he freely shared. These stories will be cherished by his family and friends and live on around the family campfires. He was truly a one-of-kind.

Jeff leaves behind his three sisters: Lorna Mack, St. Joseph, Martha Hartman of Annapolis, Md., Julie (Craig) Cline of Bitely, Mich., and one brother, Philip Mack of Wilmington, N.C.; and special friend, Susan Hewitt of St. Joseph. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Patricia; and his infant brother, Bruce.