Jack was born in Racine on March 5, 1928. He was a man of many accomplishments, known for his marvelous sense of humor, love of classical music, nature, and animals.
He was an inventor who created the roller skate toe stop, which is used world-wide, built the steam calliope, and an award-winning animation machine. His creations were exhibited at various shows and clubs including the Sussex Antique Power Association, Southeast Wisconsin Antique Power and Collectables Society, Rock River Thresheree in Edgerton, and the Pioneer Farm Machinery Club in Oak Creek. He designed and built spectacular props and sets for the Racine Theatre Guild, St. Catherine’s High School, and Cardiac Capers. He also built award-winning radio-controlled model boats. A world traveler, he crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth’s second-to-last voyage, cruised the fjords in Norway, peered into a crater from Volcano House in Hawaii, and traveled throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
He was founding president of the Racine Figure Skating Club, and taught thousands of students in S.E. Wis. He was also a member of the Wustum Art Museum, RTG, Wisconsin Theater Organ Society, Dairyland Organ, Wisconsin Scale Boating Association, Racine Photography Club, Geological Society, Astronomy Society and the Pioneer Farm Machinery Club.
His many awards and achievements include the Kenosha Institute of the Arts Volunteer of the Year, Wisconsin Maritime Museum at Manitowoc Merit Award, WI Scale Boating Association Excellence in the Art of Scale Ship Building, Imagineer Award 1996-97 from the Imaginearum (built the Penny Machine), Chicago Model Hobby Show appreciation, and the Badger Steam and Gas Engine Show.
Jack will be missed by his sister, Nancy (Robert Jr.) Wolff; a niece, Sheri Lynn (Frank) Sullivan; nephew, Bob Wolff III; great-niece and nephew, Samantha and Connor Sullivan; dear friend, Charlotte Weidner; and favorite pet, Mr. Katt.
Memorial services for Jack will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, November 15, at 11:30 a.m. with Fr. Thomas Lijewski officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Wilson Funeral Home
1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine 262-634-3361
1 comment:
Jack was a generous friend and a progressive doer in the community. Jack had a strong work ethic, and also was great fun to be with. And as Jack would often tell us "I don"t like long goodbyes"... So long Jack.
Steve Anderson
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