Edward J. Gascon

Gladstone, MI
Edward John “Jack” Gascon, age 82, of Gladstone passed away on Friday, December 26, 2014 at the Up Health System in Marquette following a brief illness.

Jack was born January 21, 1932 in Escanaba, the son of Edward and Helen (Carignan) Gascon. He was raised in Escanaba and graduated from the Escanaba High School in 1950. Jack served his country proudly in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer 2nd Class (Damage Control). He was united in marriage to Rita Rae Schultz on June 21, 1958 at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock. He was employed by the Harnischfeger Corporation (P&H) until he retired in 1986 and with UP Engineering until he retired in 1993. He was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church and was involved with the church choir, Men’s Club and Smear League. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 640 and 4th Degree Assembly 507 of Escanaba. He was also a member of the Delta Merry Mixers Square Dance Club, the Square Dance Campers Group and the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Jack was an avid Green Bay Packer and Detroit Tiger fan and enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and cooking.

Jack is survived by his wife, Rita, two daughters Laurie Rae and Brenda Sue Gascon, both of Gladstone, his brother, James R. (Cookie) Gascon of Escanaba, two sisters, Betty J. Lehouillier of Neillsville, WI and Dorothy M. (Joe) LaFave of Gladstone, brother-in-law, William G. (Sherri) Schultz Jr. of Gladstone, sisters-in-law, Elaine (James) Wils of Alpena, MI, Laurel “Lollie” (Richard) Manske of Port St. Lucie, FL and Sally Schultz of Escanaba, former sister-in-law, Janet Kern of Escanaba and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Cynthia, mother and father-in-law, Jeanette and William Schultz, brothers-in-law, Donald Lehouillier and David Schultz, sister-in-law, Mary Anne Gascon and a nephew, Raymond Gascon.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 30 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Rites will be presented at 4:15 PM by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. The Rosary will be recited by the Knights of Columbus at 4:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31 at the Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. John Longbucco officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Jack will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society or the Knights of Columbus.