Dr. David A. Jondrow, age 95, of Gladstone, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021 at OSF St. Francis hospital in Escanaba.
Dr. Jondrow was born August 23, 1926 in Livingston, Montana the son of Joseph and Ethel (Smith) Jondrow.
When Dave was 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II as a Signalman.
Following being honorably discharged, he attended Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Science. He went on to obtain a Doctor’s Degree in Optometry at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Dave was united in marriage to Alma Jean Herminghaus on September 11, 1948. They have spent 77 loving years of marriage together. They relocated to the Upper Peninsula with a 6-month old son in 1954. Dr. Jondrow opened his own practice in Gladstone and served as the only optometrist in town until he retired.
Dr. Jondrow was a member of the Gladstone Planning Commission and the Gladstone Recreation Board. He is past President of the Gladstone Lion’s Club and a member of the All Saint’s Catholic Church Administration Board. He is a member of the American Optometric Association as well as state and local professional societies. He also offered his services to the Gwinn, MI community.
Dave volunteered his time sitting on a counseling committee for the Marquette Prison. He was instrumental in getting the ski club activated at the Gladstone Ski Hill. Dave was an avid skier and loved to run. He enjoyed golfing as well.
His sense of humor will be missed by many.
In addition to his wife Jean , Dave is survived by:
Daughter: Mary (Wayne) Ward of Vail, CO
2 Sons: Michael (Donna Reber-Jondrow) Jondrow of Whitefish, Montana
James (Ningfang Qian) Jondrow of Canton, MI
Grandchildren: Maxwell Ward of Vail, CO
Ayleen Jondrow-Qian and Celene Jondrow-Qian of Canton, MI
And Several Nieces and Nephews.
In addition to his Parents, Dave was preceded in death by 3 Sisters.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented at 11:45 AM by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 PM at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Burial will take place in the Fernwood Cemetery. The family is requesting all to wear masks regardless of vaccination status. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul Society of Gladstone or a charity of your choice. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Jondrow family.
Aileen Gagnon - Kipling , Mi
Deepest sympathy.
Melvin and Aileen Gagnon
Frances Goetz - Escanaba, MI
I was a teenager when Dr. Jondrow came to Gladstone and set up his practice. Because I got my glasses from welfare, the frames were ugly plastic and everyone knew they were welfare glasses. So I approached Dr. Jondrow and asked if I could buy some frames and he asked how I could pay and I said I babysat and I would pay for the frames. He ordered some neat blue frames for me and the next week he called and asked me to babysit for his son!! I ended up babysitting for his children all through high school!
Judy Tochterman - Gladstone , Mi
I’m so sorry Jean to hear of Dave’s passing. I will miss visiting with him on his walks and while sitting on his porch. I always thought he had quite the sense of humor. He will be missed. Blessings to you and your family. ❤️
Sharon Ralston - Monroe , Mi
One Saturday morning, I noticed that one of my pupils was much larger than the other. I called David and Jean’s home and David said, meet me at my office. He examined my eyes and became concerned. He called a specialist who did not have Saturday hours but Dave convinced him to see me that afternoon. As it turned out, it was not a brain tumor as feared but an adverse reaction to medication. David’s knowledge, kindness, sense of humor, wit and endless gift of concern for his fellow human beings is forever imprinted in and on the memories and hearts of all who knew and loved him. Knowing God has said to you: David, well done my faithful servant. Well done! Jean and family, my deepest sympathies and love.
Kay Pryal - Gladstone , Mi
So sorry to hear about Dave. Condolences to you Jean and your family. You both were such good friends of my mom, Jeanne-sharing books and stories!
joe moberg - DePere, Wi
My sincere condolences to Mike, Jim,Mary and your Mom on the passing of your dad and husband. You could’nt meet a nicer guy as a kid,and in later yrs when I would see him around town .He always seem to know my name. I will keep him in my prayers.
Gerry Stille - Gwinn, Mi
I remember Dr. Jondrow when he came to Gwinn years ago and he was a very nice guy. Sympathy to the family.
Kathleen LaMeres - Syracuse, UT
Uncle Dave was always one of my favorites. My earliest memories of him are ones filled with laughter, corny and serious jokes, kindness, and love. It was always such an thrill when the family came to Billings, Montana, for a visit. As a young girl, I looked up to him. As an old girl, I still do. Rest In Peace, Uncle Dave. You have touched many lives and your memory will live on. Love you.
Judy Watson Olson - Gwinn , MI
What a wonderful man Dave was! As a child, I always looked up to him and enjoyed being around him. We lived next door and our families depended on each other and did many things together. Dr. Jondrow was also our eye doctor. He was a gentle doctor and a very funny guy. Over the years I have truly enjoyed talking with Dave and Jean when I would visit my family in Gladstone. I would see them on a walk or at the house – I always loved talking with them and catching up on Mike, Jim, and Mary’s lives. I am thinking about all of you and sending our family’s love. ❤️
Tom Waeghe - Wilmington, DE
Dear Mrs. Jondrow, Mary, Jim and Mike: I was very saddened to hear of your husband and Dad’s passing. He was a kind, gentle man and had a good sense of humor. I remember your family fondly and may God bless you in your sorrow at this time.