Gladstone, MI
Jack L. Ridings, age 85, of Gladstone, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2012, at the Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Jack was born April 30, 1926 in Escanaba. He was raised in Gladstone and graduated from Gladstone High School where he excelled in basketball and football. Following high school, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the North Atlantic during WWII. Upon his honorable discharge, Jack attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Jack was married to his wife Christine (Dunsmore) for 68 years and together they raised one daughter, Ann. Jack retired from The Milwaukee Railroad/ Soo Line as regional personnel director. He was a member of Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71. Jack enjoyed the outdoors, flying airplanes, deer hunting and spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife Christine, Jack is survived by:
Daughter: Ann (Martin) Bakken of Holt, MI
Brother: Jim (Carol) Ridings of Hacienda Heights, CA
Grandchildren: Ben (Rachel) Bakken
Kristoffer (fianc
Judy and Esly Caldwell
Judy and Esly Caldwell extend our deepest sympathy to Christine, Ann and Jim and the rest of the family. We treasure our many memories of Jack both in Gladstone and in the home for Veterans in Marquette. Bob and Peg Slining will certainly welcome him into heaven.
Helen Slining
Dear Chris, Ann, Marty, Jim and Carol,Just heard from Judy about Jack’s death and I am so sorry to hear. He was a fighter and from the time I was alittle girl, I always looked up to Jack! He was so handsome and I remember him coming to Ironwood in a red convertible with a sailor hat on and I brought all my friends to meet him (we lived on Lowell Street at the time so I must have been in 7th or 8th grade) and I was so proud to introduce my friends to my most handsome relative!!! The last time I saw Jack we stopped in Escanaba or Gladstone to see Aunt Mavis and Jack at the nursing home and he was in such good spirits! Smiling and taking us to see Aunt Mavis and have a chat! I don’t have anyone’s address or I would have written a card to you all but I wanted you to know that I am so sorry for your loss. Helen Slining (Yes, I’ve taken my maiden name back–): Helen Slining 125 E. Harding St., Ironwood, MI