Joseph C. (Jack) Etzler, 97, passed away at approximately 10:45 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 4th in his home of 68 years
in Salem.
Jack was born in Salem to Ruth Law and George Etzler on Friday, March 13,1924.
He was a Salem High school graduate in 1942, WWII Navy veteran attached to the marines in the Pacific Theatre, a graduate of Ball State University, and voted for more democrats than republicans in his lifetime.
He was a Methodist and 60+ year member of Salem Lions’ Club.
On Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949, he married the love of his life, Jane Marilyn Coffman who passed away October 18, 2005.
He is survived by a son Scott (Becki) and 2 grandchildren, Erin and Andrew.
Jack always said it would be a crapshoot where his soul would spend eternity but always tried to maintain a lifestyle that kept him out of jail and always tried to live by the Golden Rule.
Jack will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and the community he loved and supported throughout his life. He began his career as a teacher at Salem High School, then moved to a career in the insurance business.
He was on the board of Salem Savings and Loan, welfare board,
school board (where he fought hard to build an indoor swimming pool), blood bank, Methodist Church board, long time Sunday school teacher, and donated to causes far and wide.
His self-discipline was legendary and he was an avid solo runner in the early ’60s and eventually ran many 10k’s and mini’s with too many friends and family to mention. When his knees gave way he turned to cycle on a tandem with his pal, Jim Ralston.
In his late 80’s he moved to a stationary bike at the Y which he could be seen riding as recently as this March.
He was an avid reader, bridge player, and sports enthusiast and you knew where to find him at his 5:00 pm Happy Hour.
Jack always greeted with a smile and had a strong sense of humor as
evidenced by the top half of this obit which he wrote. One of his
favorite quotes by Alexander Pope is a good summation. “Act well your
part, there all the honor lies”.
The family wishes to thank all his friends for continuous support and
visits and his 4 main caregivers Joyce, Rhonda, George, and Kendall for
their exceptional love and care.
Services will be at 11 am at Dawalt Funeral Home with visitation on Thursday April 8, from 4-8 and Friday, April 9th from 10 to 11 am, with final resting at Crown Hill Cemetery in Salem, next to Jane.
Memorial contributions can be sent directly to the Salem YMCA or to the Salem United Methodist Church.
