Obituary of Richard Jackson
Richard (Dick) Jackson, 79, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 13, 1934 in Wis. Rapids to George and Dorothy (Plenke) Jackson. At an early age he worked with his father delivering milk for the Jackson Dairy. He attended Immanuel Lutheran grade school and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952.
He served in the Army in Germany and Lebanon and received an honorable discharge in 1963 after 6 years. He attended what is now UWSP and WCTC and received an associate's degree.
In 1962, he married Doris Tauscher, and moved to Rochester, MN, later returning to Wis. Rapids. He spent the majority of his career working for Nekoosa Papers, Inc. in the engineering department. Being civically minded, he served on the Wood County Board of Supervisors for many years, including the Planning and Zoning, as well as the Sheriff and Traffic committees.
He was actively involved and a strong supporter of the Grand Rapids Lions Club, serving in many capacities, and was instrumental in the building and remodeling during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He also served as Treasurer and was President for multiple terms. Because of his contribution to Lionism, he received several high honors, including the Melvin Jones Fellowship, Birch-Sturm Fellowship, and a lifetime membership.
Dick was a lifelong Packers fan, and also enjoyed watching the Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and NASCAR. He was an avid hunter, spending many hours on his hunting land next to the Jackson Family cottage on the WI River, instilling a strong appreciation of venison in his children.
Dick enjoyed wood working and designed and built most of his own house, tucked away in a wooded, quiet cul-de-sac. He enjoyed living in his home where he raised his 3 children and where many a social gathering occurred.
He is survived by his daughters Jacquelyn Jackson (Washington, DC); Jennifer (Michael) Millasovich and grandsons Nicolas and Jackson (Minneapolis, MN); son Gregory (Carolina) Jackson and grandchildren Emma and Lucas (Miami, FL); sister Jeanne (Joseph) McBride (Milwaukee, WI); brother Dave Jackson (Prescott, AZ); and six nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew.
A viewing will be held at the Herman-Taylor Funeral Home on Saturday, July 12th starting at 12pm, with a service at 2pm. Dick will be interred on his 80th birthday, Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 12pm at the Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life held at the Grand Rapids Lions Club, beginning at 1pm.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the caring staff at The House of the Dove for their heartfelt compassion and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation (www.wlf.info) or the House of the Dove. On-line condolences are welcome at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.
