Obituary: John ‘Jack’ Treml, 88, of Custer

Jack Treml

On Sunday, May 12, 2024, John “Jack” Treml peacefully passed away at the age of 88 in his home surrounded by family.

Jack was born on December 11, 1935 in Grant Township to parents John and Frances Treml.  He attended Pelton School and Manistee High School, before receiving a bachelor of science degree from Ferris State College and a master of science degree from The University of South Dakota.  On November 29, 1958, he married Kareen Kovar, who he would share five children and 65 years of beautiful marriage with.

Jack’s passion for the education of and involvement with youth showed in both his career and hobbies.  After college, he spent two years teaching at Shelby High School.  He then spent the remainder of his 30-year career as a Cardinal – serving as a teacher, coach, and principal at Mason County Eastern. Jack felt strongly about the phrase “young people are good people” and spent much of his life helping youth reach their full potential in education and athletics.  He also enjoyed spending time in the outdoors at his cabin in the Upper Peninsula.  He was a frequent fisherman on the St. Mary’s River and loved teaching his grandchildren to fish during their summer vacations at the cabin.

Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Treml; his son, Michael Treml; his son-in-law, Steve Stickney; and his granddaughter, Tracey Treml.

He is survived by his wife, Kareen Treml; his brother, Richard (Lucille) Treml; his sister-in-law Joanne Treml; his children, John (Kathy) Treml, Jill Stickney, Mark Treml, and James Treml; his daughter-in-law, Cindy Treml; his grandchildren, Matt Cordes, Rose (Matt) Schultz, Melanie Stickney (Jacob Tiles), Mike (Sarah) Stickney, Laura (Rob) Kaercher, Steven Treml, Michael Treml (Kaitlyn Werth), Alan Treml (Abigail Walker); and seven great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held for Jack from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer with the rosary to be prayed in Jack’s honor at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Jack at the church on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dan DePew as celebrant. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Custer Township. Those who wish to remember Jack with a memorial donation are asked to please consider either Caritas Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Church, or the Mason County Eastern Athletic Department.

Please visit Jack’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a tribute or memory of Jack with his family.