Jack D. Lents, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away, Monday, February 6, 2023 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland in St. Joseph.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Larry Doorn officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Private burial will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association-Michigan Great Lakes Chapter or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Jack’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jack was born April 12, 1937 in Flora, Illinois to James & Nellie (Beasley) Lents. His family moved to Southwest Michigan and he graduated from St. John’s Catholic High School, Class of 1955, and later attended Benton Harbor Junior College. Jack served his country in the US Navy right after high school, and remained in the reserves until 1962. On August 16, 1958, he married the former Diane Wyrick at St. John’s Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. Jack worked for nearly twenty years at The Herald Press/Herald Palladium, leaving as advertising sales manager. He then spent twenty-five years in the real estate industry, retiring from Southwest Realty after ten years of employment.
Jack was a member of St. John/St. Bernard Parish where he served as a Lector and Extra-Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and was a member of The Knights of Columbus. He was also a long-time member of St. Joseph Lions Club where he served as president in 1977, along with many other offices, and was a member of Southwest Michigan Car Collectors and the Trailriders Snowmobile Club in Lake County, Michigan. Jack enjoyed the time spent with his many friends at various car shows in the area and riding the trails of Northern Michigan.
Jack enjoyed the time spent at their cottage on Gifford Lake since 1982. He previously served as president of the Gifford Lake Association, and was also a trustee and avid member of the Fish & Water Quality Committee. Gifford Lake was his happy place, whether he was on the paddle boat fishing or just riding around. He cherished the time when his son, grandson, great-grandsons or nephews were able to join him.
Jack is survived by his wife Diane; his children-James (Jane) Lents of Soddy Daisy, TN, Catherine Lents of Buchanan; six grandchildren-Christopher (fiancée Whitney Behnke) Lents, Amber (Tim) Tebbens, Savannah (husband Josh Jones) Lents, Maisie Lents, Taylor Lents, Alec Lents; six great-grandchildren-Adilyn Lents, Lucas, Jason, Amelia & Charlie Tebbens, Xander Behnke; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents & his sister RaJean Long.