John "Jack" Depew

Norway John I. "Jack" Depew, age 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, August l, 20l2 with his loving family by his side in Niagara, WI. Jack was born in Munising, MI on April 27, l935, the son of Bertha "Bert" (Hixon) and Willard "Boy" Depew. After graduating from Wm. G. High School in 1953, he worked at Kimberly-Clark in Munising until he joined the U.S. Army (paratroopers). Following his discharge, he returned to Munising and resumed working at K-C. Jack married Linda Prato on June l3, l959. Their son, David was born in l96l. They moved to Detroit where Jack worked at Scott Paper while he attended Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. He took the position of Material Manager at Niagara Wisconsin Paper Mill in l975 where he worked until he was promoted to Vice-President of Pulp and Paper, relocating to St. Paul, MN. Jack travelled extensively in and out of the country procuring pulp for Pentair's mills. He retired in l990 and resided in Norway, MI. Jack was an avid sports fan and a devoted Green Bay Packer-Backer. His very favorite was the game of golf which he greatly enjoyed playing both before and after retirement. He loved to sing, and was a member of St. Barbara's Church and choir in Vulcan. Jack was always an upbeat guy, preferring to see the good side of everything and everyone. He woke up every day with a smile. He is survived his loving and devoted wife of 53 years - Linda; their son - David (Allison) Depew of Appleton, WI; grandchildren - Jennifer and Jackson; brother Jim (Laurie) Depew of Newberry; sisters - Beverly (David) Ghiardi of Munising and Molly (George) Schmidt of Appleton, WI; father-in-law - Kenneth Prato of Munising; brothers-in-law - Allen (Judy) Prato of Munising and John (Marcy) Prato of Appleton; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and many dear friends. Jack was preceded in death by his mother Bertha, father Willard, brother David, and mother-in-law - Vida Prato. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Timothy Ekaitis at St. Barbara Church, 159 Mission Street, Vulcan, MI on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 12:00 noon (C.S.T.) There will be visiting time with family and friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. (C.S.T.) until noon. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2012. Memorials may be made in Jack's memory to a charity of one's choice.