Jack Mischler
April 15, 1936 – July 2, 2021
A funeral service to celebrate Jack’s life will take place at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9420 Portage Rd., Portage, MI 49002, on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Joan Herbon officiating. Visiting hours will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Friday, July 16, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions in Jack’s memory may be given to Hope Lutheran Church Food Pantry of St. Petersburg, FL, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or a charity of one’s choice.
Obituary
Age 85, passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021. Jack was born on April 15, 1936, the son of the late Cornelius and Helen (McGuire) Mischler. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Eileen N. (Brinser) Mischler; sons, John, Jim (Valerie), Joe (Jennifer) and Michael (Kristen) Mischler; son in-law, Eddie Nuckols; brothers, Bill (Joan) and Steve (JoAnne) Mischler; five grandchildren, Jeff (Kati) and Greg (Lyndsey) Nuckols and Kaitlin Griffin and Elizabeth Mischler and two great-grandchildren, Sadie and Annabelle Nuckols. Besides his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie Nuckols. Jack was a devoted employee, beginning at nine years of age delivering newspapers and retiring as President of Stryker Medical Division at age 51. Upon retirement, he continued working for several years as a consultant for various businesses and private investors. Jack was very outgoing and could strike up a conversation with anyone and often shared stories of his beloved family. He enjoyed fishing, travelling, reading, following the news and attending his Naval reunions. Jack served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy, enlisting after high school in 1954 and serving until 1963.
Jack was a dear friend to us and took a special interest in our family. He was especially interested in our family overseas and was so compassionate when we lost some of them. He was such a kind hearted, caring soul and he loved to recount stories and memories with us. We will miss our monthly get togethers Jack, and hope that Eileen will still feel free to continue those in the future. RIP dear friend.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. He had the precious ability to make a person feel like they were the most important person in the room. His smile was infectious. He was smart and strategic and wise. He will be greatly missed but I am a better person for having known him. My condolences to the family.
Jack hired me in 1985 at Stryker. He was a mentor to me and one of the best individuals I ever worked for. He was always very supportive and generous to me as well as being an unforgettable character. An extremely important person from my past that I will always remember very fondly.
We were deeply saddened upon hearing of Jack’s passing. We always looked forward to his and Eileen’s return to FL. We always looked forward to chats on the porch or in the street. Always willing to help out if needed. We will sincerely miss his smile and conversations of work and family. We send lots of love and hugs to Eileen and the family. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I’ll always remember Jack as a loving father and husband, and an affable and boisterous man with wisdom both hard earned and readily shared. My heartfelt condolences to his family, whom I’m sure remember him fondly, and miss him dearly.
I reported to Jack when he was President of Stryker Medical Division. I remember Jack’s incredible work ethic, and his sense of urgency in getting things done. In fact, the CEO, President and Chairman of the Board, John W, Brown, once said that Jack led the best managed Division in his entire organization. This was praise from a business legend. But when I think of Jack, I don’t think of his business competence; instead I think of his kindness. After Jack’s retirement, his replacement brought in his own team, and I lost my job. When he heard about it, Jack took me out for breakfast, reassured me that everything was going to be all right. and even offered his financial help if I needed it. A few years later, I told Jack how important his encouragement was in that dark time, and how much I owed him. I know Jack was embarrassed by this and he told me that I didn’t owe him anything. But I did and still do… Jack was a complicated person, with a lot of facets to his personality, but in the end, for me, everything falls way except for his kindness. Jack truly had a heart of gold.
I reported to Jack in the early 80’s at the Stryker Burdick St facility and then again at the new Medical facility on Sprinkle Rd. He taught me many things thru the years work ethic and high energy was the example he set for everyone. It was a pleasure knowing him and working in his group he was one of the good ones and heaven is a better place.