John “Jack” F. Rombouts (2024)

His military service included being selected for Infantry Officer Candidate School He did not complete the program due to an injury. He finished his Army service as a Spec5 as a “Nike Hercules” crew chief with service in Korea. He worked with nuclear weapons and other weapon systems.

Jack returned back to “God’s Country” in the UP. He always dreamed of a career in law enforcement. His dream came to reality when Marquette Township added him as a road patrol officer. He joined the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department in 1979 and worked as a road patrol officer, court security officer, corrections division and dectective division.

Jack married the love of his life, Mary Diamond on September 8, 1984 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Marquette.

His true love was his drug enforcement work. His real dream was his assignment to the N.E.T.COM drug enforcement team. He stood out in narcotics and was given a commendation for his work. Later he received 2 nominations as Marquette County Officer of the Year. he retired in 2002.

Sports were a major activity for Jack & Mary. Their teams were the Chicago Bears (1985 World Champions), MSU Spartans, Detroit Tigers & the feared and dreaded New York Yankees.

Golf was a primary activity. Jack & Mary traveled the UP playing many courses and tournaments. They belonged to all 6 Marquette County courses. While a member at Wawonowin, Jack served on the board of directors and put out the club newsletter. He has been a member at his beloved Marquette courses. On September 25, 1988 Jack had a hole-in-one on the Heritage Course during a 3 man scramble on hole #5.

In his youth, he played football for Coach Bill Hart’s last “Redmen” team in 1963. He coached women’s softball and had 2 championship teams. he also coached in the church league softball as a member of the St. John’s Bears who won a championship. Other interests included shotting, biking and skiing.

The most important part of his life with Mary was their Roman Catholic faith. They both served their parishes as board members, lectors, ushers and playground supervisors.

Jack & Mary were both ultra, politically conservatives. Jack majored in political science. He was a member of the Young GOP Club and was chairman of the Young Americans For Freedom. He was a card carrying member of the John Birch Society.

Jack was a member of the VFW. He served 2 terms as Post Commander and 2 years as Chaplain. He was also a member of the K of C for more than 25 years. He served as Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree of the Bishop Baraga “Snowshoe Priest” Assembly. He also had served as a eucharistic minister at St. Michael Parish in 1989.

Jack had a pet phrase he used on all his T-Shots, especially long ones. It was “I didn’t get it all”. he may have not got it all on the course but he did get it all in life.

Jack had two sayings to get through life, sing every song-dance every dance-live every day and love every day.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; daughter, Jennifer (Steve); son, Paul (Nicole); grandchildren, Mallory, Alexis, Cameron, Brendon and Cruz; brother, Stephen (Diane); sister, Peggy (Jim); numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews; best friend, Rick (Adele) Van Tiem.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Joanna Rombouts; son, David; and 14 year old border collie, Daisy.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 1 pm at St. Peter Cathedral with Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 am until the time of the Mass in the Bishop’s Room at the church. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post #44.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.