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John (Jack) E. Heglund Jr. age 77 years old of Irons, Michigan passed away peacefully on November 2, 2012 with his two daughters at his side. He was born February 14, 1935 in Ludington, Michigan, the son of John E Heglund Sr. and Marjorie (Bortell) Heglund. He attended Ludington High School, Western Michigan University, and the University of Minnesota graduating with a Master’s of Science degree in physics. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Germany for three years.
Jack married Patricia Irene O’Brien in Ludington in 1957 and they enjoyed 52 wonderful years together. He was a teacher at Hart High School for 33 years, teaching math and computer sciences. His students and colleagues admired him as an excellent teacher and for this he was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year numerous times over his teaching career. In addition to being a great teacher he also was a dedicated assistant football coach and mentor for many football players at Hart and Big Rapids. Jack continued to coach football after he retired from teaching. He was fondly known by his players, coaches and friends as Coach Heggie. Football was his passion and he received the distinct honor of being inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1996.
In 2009 Jack received another prestigious honor. He and his fellow teammates of the 1953 Ludington High School basketball team were inducted into the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame for their winning season and the only Ludington High School basketball team going to the Michigan High School basketball state final championship game.
Jack was an avid fisherman and enjoyed many fishing trips in the Upper Peninsula with his fishing buddies. If he wasn’t fishing, he was playing poker with his poker crew. Jack enjoyed volunteering at the Peacock Senior Center and especially enjoyed playing cribbage with the members. He also spent many years traveling and camping with his family. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Jack is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Russ) Saxton of Ludington, Beth (Eric) Trombley of Grandville, sister Sandy Verboam of Ludington, grandchildren Laura (John) Popielarski of Lansing, Patrick (Serra) Saxton of Ludington, Reanna Trombley of East Lansing, Drew Trombley of Grandville, and great-grandchildren John Patrick and Scarlett Rose Popielarski along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia, a brother-in-law and two nephews.
A funeral from the order of Christian Burials will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday November 8, 2012 at St. Simon Catholic Church with Father Wayne Wheeler celebrant. The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday November 7, 2012 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Oak Grove Funeral Home and again at church from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Sauble Township.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home with arrangements. Please visit Jack’s personal web page at www.oakgrovefh.com
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