Jack William Kauzlarich, Jr.'s Obituary
Jack William Kauzlarich Jr., age 73, of Centerville, formerly of Cincinnati, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Golden Age Care Center in Centerville.
Jack was born on December 18, 1950 in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Jack Kauzlarich Sr. and Leona (Starcevich) Kauzlarich. He graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1969. Jack was united in marriage to Lorna Jones on December 17, 1979. He furthered his education, obtaining his associate's degree at Indian Hills Community College. He also attended William Penn University in Oskaloosa, and graduated with his bachelor's degree in Education.
Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 3, 1970. He served his country faithfully and proudly. He was a member of a unit of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group that provided support for the Marine Corps tactical ordnance, engineer, motor transport, and communications-electronics equipment, serving in the states and in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War. Jack was honorably discharged on October 29, 1971 from active duty.
Jack was a life-long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. He taught high school business education in Newtown Harris, MO, Novinger, MO, and Moravia, IA. He loved teaching. Jack was also a member of the VFW Post#526 and at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Centerville. He signed up for as many volunteer positions as he could. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and stock car races.
Left to honor Jack's memory are his wife of 45 years, Lorna Kauzlarich; his two daughters, Cande (Scott) Batterson and Jill (Johnnie) Stewart; one brother, Michael (Mi Cha) Kauzlarich; four grandchildren, Levi Riddick, Cajun Batterson, Deni Batterson and Cole Russell; two nieces, Trisha Kauzlarich & Jamie (Keith) Glass; as well as several extended family members and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Leona Kauzlarich; and his grandmother, Mary Kauzlarich.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 5:00-7:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM, Friday, October 11, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville with Fr. Ronald Hodges officiating. Burial will follow the service at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville with military rites conducted. Memorials may be made to the family, to be determined at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Kauzlarich Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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