Jack Loew

Madison - Jack Loew, 90, peacefully let go of life on earth on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Heritage Middleton, with his wife Ruth of nearly 66 years, daughter Christine, son-in-law Sam and dear friends at his bedside.
Dad had always wanted to die in Madison at his home, perhaps on his favorite outdoor swing, but Heritage was the next best place, and perhaps even better, because his wife was living in memory care there. He visited her every day that he was physically able to and was forever and always devoted to her. Ruth was with Jack several times during his last days, and it seemed that God helped Ruth understand Jack's condition. She was calm and present with him and seemed to understand that he was passing on. Jack led an incredibly full life with "no regrets" and a completed "bucket-list." His body was simply worn out by heart and lung complications.
Jack was born in Milwaukee, WI on April 16, 1924 to Ethel Austin Loew and Raymond E. Loew. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clifford, and son Robert E. Loew.
In 1942, Jack joined the United States Navy at 18 years old. He attended Aviation Machinist Mate School at Navy Pier, Chicago, IL, graduating with an Aviation Machinist Mate C 2nd Class ranking. With this expertise, Jack repaired aircraft such as the B-24 during WWII. Always skilled with his hands he became a Steamfitter for the University of Wisconsin in 1948. He was in charge of refrigeration for the University and worked in labs such as Zoology and Microbiology. Jack was ahead of his time; he was the driver of a University car pool in the 60's leaving the house at 7:26 a.m. exactly Monday through Friday. After 36 years at UW he retired in 1984. Jack was also an active member at Bethany United Methodist Church. He was a faithful member and regularly attended services for over 65 years. He and Ruth enjoyed traveling, bridge, square dancing, and New Year's Eve activities with other church members for many years. Whenever there was a need for a handyman Jack was always up for the challenge, when he was called upon and even when he wasn't! Since the church is behind his house he positioned a cement block and stump on either side of the fence so as to negotiate the large step over the fence from his hand- built fireplace in the backyard. This way family and neighbors could take a shortcut to the church. Jack was practical beyond belief. After being a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 120 for about 15 years, he retired from that to pursue new sports. At 40 years of age he learned to downhill ski, curl, and sail. He continued curling for 40 years mentoring kids and talking friends into learning the game. All the friends he and Ruth have known and loved at the Madison Curling Club and the Madison Yacht Club, through golf leagues and church, tennis leagues and softball, rhubarb sharing and dog walking were what made Jack Jack. He was truly a remarkable man, always pleased to share his time, resources, stories, and his heart with those he loved.
He is survived by his wife Ruth Loew; his daugher Christine Ellickson and her husband Sam of Neenah, WI; brother Richard Loew (Nancy) of Southern Pines, NC; his daughter-in-law Nancy Loew of Peyton, CO; grandchildren: Jennifer Loew Darby(Jessica) of Colorado Springs, CO; Christopher Loew (Kristine), of Louisville, CO; and Erin Ellickson Gerry (Andrew and Eunice) of Portland, OR. Great-grandchildren Jessica Darby and Eunice Gerry; nephews Douglas, and David Loew, and niece Laurie Mehegan-Loew; special friends Susan, David and Jessica Werther who adopted Jack as family as well as Jack and Ruth's Sheltie, Lilly.
Friends may call at Bethany United Methodist Church (3910 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705) on Monday, September 8, 2014 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow. A luncheon will follow the service. All are welcome.
A special thank you to the Home Health United Hospice team who so expertly managed Jack's care. And thanks also to Teresa Iselin, Susan, David and Jessica Werther for all your patient and loving care of my dad.