Obit: Rand, Jack Willard #2 (1936 - 2009)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Rand, Finch, Pischke, Howard, Schade, Romens, Babcock 
 

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Tuesday, 15 Dec. 2009 
 

Rand, Jack Willard (18 June 1936 - 13 Dec. 2009) 
 

NEILLSVILLE -- Jack Rand, 73, of Neillsville, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. 
 

Jack Willard Rand was born at home June 18, 1936, in the town of Melrose, the son of Floyd and Beulah (Finch) Rand. He attended Shake Hollow and Melrose Elementary School and graduated from Melrose High School in 1954. 
 

He entered into the U.S. Army on Nov. 3, 1954. He served his second year of enlistment in England and twice earned the soldier of the month award. He was honorably discharged from the Army on Oct. 31, 1956. 
 

Jack was united in marriage June 1, 1957, to Janet Pischke. They later divorced. Jack held various jobs in the area, but eventually began farming in Melrose and co-owned an Insurance Agency with his brother, DeLayne, in Ettrick. Jack sold his share of the Insurance Agency to DeLayne in 1981, and bought a truck line to haul cattle. He moved to Neillsville in 1982 and worked for the Mid-West Livestock Producers in Granton. Later, he worked for the Clark County ASCS office at the courthouse in Neillsville. 
 

Jack loved livestock. Often he would go for rides in the country and judge the cattle from the road. He also loved gardening and would turn an ordinary backyard into a masterful garden. Jack liked to visit with people and made friends, usually friends-for-life, easily wherever he went. 
 

He is survived by a son, Jay (Julie) Rand and their children, Lee and Lindsey, all of Placerville, Calif.; a daughter, Joleen (Randy) Schade and their child, Alyssa, of Colby; a special friend from Neillsville, Carole Romens and her family; a brother, DeLayne (Rose) Rand of Ettrick; a sister, Janet (Merlin) Babcock of Dimondale, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arnold and Dennis; and a sister, Marian Howard. 
 

A memorial service for Jack will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at the United Church of Christ in Neillsville. Pastor James Mohr will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the United Church of Christ. Military honors will be accorded by the Neillsville Veterans Council, with Jack's brother, DeLayne, presenting the flag. 
 

In the garden of our hearts, memories remain to inspire us and to remind us of the beauty we have shared with someone so special. -- Author Unknown 
 

Online condolences may be made at www.GescheFH.com. 
 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Jack's family with funeral arrangements.