Obit: Latourell, John Edward (1936 - 2013)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bourgeois, Duplanty, Franke, Kasten, Latourell, Wocelka

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 02/07/2013

Latourell, John "Jack" Edward (16 SEP 1936 - 2 FEB 2013)

John "Jack" Edward Latourell, age 76, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ministry St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, with his family at his side. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home in Marshfield.

Burial, with military honors provided by American Legion Post No. 54 of Marshfield, will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Marshfield. A time of visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5 and from 10 a.m. until time of services on Wednesday, all at the funeral home.

Jack was born on September 16, 1936 in Park Falls, the son of Oscar and Eleanor (Bourgeois) Latourell. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Park Falls in 1954. Shortly after graduation, Jack enlisted in the United States Army. On October 31, 1959, he was united in marriage to Rita Franke in Hales Corners.

Jack was an independent spirit who always accepted a challenge with his own set of rules. He began his career as a meat cutter for Red Owl Stores, then moved on to work for the American Gas Company and Michel’s Pipeline. From there he acquired his own route as a liquor salesman for Northwest Liquor. Deciding he wanted to be his own boss, he and Rita launched into business ownership. These endeavors included The Ponderosa Lounge in Medford, Little Bohemia Lanes in Rib Lake, Country Inn Motel in Racine and then finally JR's Mexican Restaurant in Chandler, AZ.

He was a chatty person and liked to make people laugh. Jack was quick with a smile and a witty comeback. Dad supported and encouraged us in career, life and personal decisions. His advice was always spot on and he took joy in celebrating our successes.

Jack's favorite things were driving his Jeep with the top down, camping, fishing, hunting, football and playing cards with the family. He was active in Jaycees and the American Legion Post No. 182 in Park Falls.

Jack is survived by his wife, Rita, and two daughters, Cory Latourell and Renee (Robert) Kasten, all of Marshfield. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Richard (Betty) Franke of Tomahawk, and Dennis (Bev) Franke of Franklin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Eleanor; a brother, James Wocelka; and a sister, Mamie Duplanty.

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