John Francis Vanderfeltz, known to all as Jack, of St. Clair, MO, departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on January 13, 2015, having reached the age of sixty-nine years, nine months and one day.
Jack was born in Glennonville, MO, on April 12, 1945, son of John Herman Vanderfeltz and Veronica Caroline Vanderfeltz nee Bader. On April 30, 1966, he was united in marriage to JoAnn Phillips and four children came to bless this union.
Jack is survived by two sons, John Vanderfeltz and wife, Wanda, of St. Clair, MO, and Kevin Vanderfeltz and life companion, Danielle, of St. Clair; two daughters, Christy Parmentier and companion, Jim, of St. Clair and Jackie Lynn Fischer and husband, Mike, of St. Clair; two sisters, Joan Porter and husband, Richard, known to many as Dick, of Orange, TX and Margaret Russell and husband, Bud, of Colorado Springs, CO; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Vanderfeltz of Boonville, MO; thirteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild; his step-son, David Jackson of St. Clair; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Veronica Vanderfeltz; his wife, JoAnn Vanderfeltz; his brother, Joseph Vanderfeltz; and one grandchild, John Vanderfeltz.
Jack was a Christian and member of the St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO. At the age of eighteen, he began his working career with International Oil, known as Nordyne, in St. Louis, MO. He began working in the maintenance department and by the time he retired thirty-eight years later, he was working as a tool and die man. He loved the outdoors and going hunting or target practicing with his boys was a favorite pastime. When he was younger, he often spent time working on cars and had even had a racing truck. He was very civic minded and was an active charter member of thirty-one years and past Exalted Ruler and Past Trustee of the St. Clair Elk’s Lodge #2651. Jack was the kind of guy that knew no stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Nothing made him happier than the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.
An Elk’s service was held at 4:30 p.m. and a memorial service at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Deacon Harvey Dubbs officiating. Private committal will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the St. Clair Elk’s 2651 Scholarship Fund.