Jack Wakeham
February 14, 2016Share using:
Houghton: Jack Wakeham, 95, a longtime resident of Houghton, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 14, 2016 after a short illness. He passed away at U.P. Health System-Portage Hospital in Hancock.
He was born in England on August 31, 1920 to the late George and Katherine “Katty” (Benbow) Wakeham. At about 6 months of age, Jack and his family moved to Freda where he attended the Liminga School, finishing his high school in Hancock. He worked for the Copper Range Company at the Freda Stamp Mill for about 30 years. He later was employed at Michigan Tech for 16 years as a building attendant in the Library and Chem-Met Buildings until his retirement. He was also the owner of Neil's Taxi Service in Hancock and Houghton for many years.
On August 16, 1943 he was married to his sweetheart, Mabel Eakin.
Jack was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, where he was well known as the “head usher” for over 30 years. He also volunteered at Little Brothers~Friends of the Elderly and at Cypress Manor in Hancock.
Jack loved all sports. He was a champion horse shoe player over the years, and enjoyed playing cards and checkers. He especially enjoyed watching every Detroit Tigers and Red Wings game on television.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mabel of Houghton; two sons: Daniel (Donna) Wakeham of Houghton and Gary (Theresa) Wakeham of Lake Linden; a daughter, Deborah Manderfield of Iron Mountain; Grandchildren Tim Wakeham, Sherry (Pat) Hughes, Jeffrey Wakeham, Robin (Dan) Ghazale, and Michael Manderfield; great-grandchildren Cheyenne Hughes, Travis Hughes, Dustin Provost, and Mya Ghazale; and by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Vicky Wakeham; and siblings Bill Wakeham, Edwin “Art” Wakeham, George “Smokey” Wakeham, Sally Ylitalo, Frank Wakeham, Myrtle Wattson, and Hubert Wakeham.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Chuck Williams to officiate. Spring burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.
Friends may call at the church for an hour before the funeral.
The O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.