In loving memory of

Jack McGivern

December 23, 1955 - September 29, 2022
From: Lake View, IA
Jack McGivern

Jack McGivern

Born: December 23, 1955
Died: September 29, 2022
Age: 66
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   Jack McGivern, age 66 of Lake View, IA, passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. John James “Jack” McGivern was born on December 23, 1955, the sixth of ten children, to parents Michael and Bette (Shaull) McGivern in Marengo, IA. The family lived on a farm in Marengo where all of the children grew up. Jack graduated from Iowa Valley High School in Marengo in 1974 and then attended William Penn College. He graduated with his teaching degree in 1978.
   On October 21, 1978, Jack married Vanessa Lynn Voss at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Marengo. They were blessed with a daughter, Megan. The family moved to Lake View where Jack worked as a teacher for what was then the Lake View-Auburn school district. He also coached cheerleading for the district. Jack taught for thirty-five years before retiring and then was a substitute teacher for another five years. He was an adored teacher by not only his students, but his coworkers as well. He certainly had the heart for the job and it showed.
   Not only did Jack work as a teacher, he worked as an attendant at Camp Crescent for twenty-four years, as a waiter at Country Inn in Lake View for twenty-four years, and at Spring Lake Golf Course for eighteen years. He liked to stay busy to say the least! If you didn’t see him at any of those places, you may have seen him out and about on his daily four mile walk which he always took rain or shine and in freezing temps or on sweltering hot days.
   Jack was an avid reader. He especially enjoyed Sci-Fi books as well as watching the same types of shows on TV. He liked to play cards with his friends and family and was just a ‘people-person’ in general. He was an amazing singer who sang at countless funerals and weddings and had no problem picking up the mic to sing some karaoke. He participated in a production group out of Sac City where he performed in musicals such as Oklahoma!, Pirates of Penzance, and several others including  plays by George M. Cohan. Jack could be found cheering on his grandchildren at all of their sporting events, he was one of their biggest fans. His family meant the world to him, and he was a dear friend to many. He will be missed immensely by all who knew and loved him.
   Survivors include his wife Vanessa McGivern of Lake View; daughter Megan (Jeff) Hansen of Schaller; grandchildren Delainey, Chayse, Graceyn, Kloey, and Payge Hansen all of Schaller; siblings: Denny (Joyce) McGivern of Cedar Falls, IA, Dan (Cludy) McGivern of Iowa City, Patrick (Pam) McGivern of Prescott, AZ, Coleen Sydor of Richmond, KY, Mike (Leigh) McGivern of Cedar Rapids, Sean (Jennifer) McGivern of Hampton, IL, Carol (Don) Malecek of Fairfax, Marlene (Bruce) Lunardi of Bettendorf, and Nancy (Alan) Buss of Cedar Rapids; mother-in-law Bonnie (Patterson) Voss of Marengo; brother-in-law Tony Voss of Des Moines; thirty nieces and nephews; thirty great-nieces and nephews; other extended family members and friends.
   Jack was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Bette McGivern; sister-in-law Patricia McGivern; brother-in-law John Sydor; and niece Kristen McGivern.

 

Tribute Video
SERVICES
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m., Monday
October 17, 2022
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Wall Lake, Iowa
*Rosary at 9:00 a.m.
Livestream Available
Passcode: JACK
VISITATION
4:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday
October 16, 2022
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Lake View, Iowa
INTERMENT
Marengo Cemetery
Marengo, Iowa

Condolences

Monday, October 17, 2022 at 10:04 AM
“Vanessa and family - I am holding you close in my heart and prayers during this difficult time.”
- Eunice Holderness
Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 2:59 PM
“Jack and I had great conversations when I picked up and returned his students in the Wall Lake building. It just took a few minutes to be smiling, laughing, and making the day a good one during those times. He was a great educator, friend, and obviously meant the world to his family. My prayers to you all.”
- Lana Pitstick
Monday, October 10, 2022 at 4:04 PM
“"Everybody knew Jack!" It seems to be true as so many of his students remember him with great respect and as one of their favorite teachers. Many saw him during his daily walks in the community, waitering, or working at the campground. It was my pleasure to know him and enjoy a friendship through Megan and my daughter, Michelle, and when I became the custodian in the Wall Lake Building. Although he "retired" a few years before me, it was always good to see him again when he substituted in a classroom. What a hoot!! He could make others laugh while sharing an experience. It can honestly be said, Jack lived life to the fullest!”
- Susan Barney
Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 9:27 AM
“Our deepest sympathy to your family. He was one of the good guys, great teacher. Will be missed by all”
- John and Cindy Schwarzkopf
Friday, October 7, 2022 at 9:14 AM
“My heart goes out to you, Meg and Vanessa and all of Mr M's family. Not only was he a fun and formative 4th grade teacher, he was a great neighbor. I always admired Captain Jack and his zest for walking, being social, and life in general. His bright light will surely shine on. All our love, Sarah Kramer and family. ”
- Sarah Kramer
Friday, October 7, 2022 at 9:14 AM
“Vanessa and family you have my deepest sympathy!! I have so many fond memories of Jack when we were young!!! He was always happy and fun to be around!! You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!”
- Diane Boyles
Friday, October 7, 2022 at 9:14 AM
“Thinking of the family and sending our condolences. Remembering his school days at Iowa Valley and all the the activities he was involved with .”
- Terry and Ardith Housman
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 9:57 PM
“Vanessa, so sorry for your loss. Jack was such a good teacher and person. He was always so friendly and upbeat all the time! He will be missed by many who knew him.”
- Bill and Linda Eichhorn
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 12:18 PM
“Megan, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The few times I met your dad he was always so full of positive energy and love for you. I know you carry his best qualities in you. I'm sending you prayers and peaceful energy in your time of loss. ”
- Jason Rosa
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 11:19 PM
“Back in 4th grade Mr McGivern was my favorite teacher. We would talk back and fourth about recipes and what we cooked throughout the week. As I just graduated from culinary school last year and a sous chef at Cattlemens i hope he's proud of my accomplishments so far. A strong memory I have of Mr. McGivern was how he told me he made his own syrup and poured it back into the bottle and his kids never noticed growing up. Forever he will be my favorite teacher that I will never forget ”
- Trevor Schueneman
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 11:19 PM
“I really did not know Jack but did work with him at Camp Crescent when RAGBRAII came through Lake View. I just 2-3 hours he left a impression on me. Send lots of love and prayers to his family and friends.”
- Charlene Green
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 11:19 PM
“Vanessa and Megan and family, you have my deepest condolences. RIP, Jack.”
- Lois Long
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 11:19 PM
“Although Jack and I only taught for a short time together, he was one of the best! I loved when we had grade alike meetings and staff meetings. There was never a dull moment. He has touched so many lives and will always have a special place in my heart as well as all of the students he knew! My deepest sympathy to all of you.”
- Cindy Wuebker
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 11:18 PM
“Just wanted to say that Jack was an amazing man and one of the reasons I became a teacher! My sincere sympathy to you all! ”
- Heather B Keenan
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 12:52 PM
“We are so saddened to hear of Jacks passing! He always had a smile for everyone and was a very nice guy! He will be missed!!”
- Mike & LuAnn Norris
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 12:33 PM
“Where do words begin. Blessings to you Vanessa, your daughter and grandchildren whom Jack adored and could never say enough about them. Such love Jack had for family, every single one. And his reputation as the best teacher ever echo from all his students. He was the best neighbor anyone could ask for! We loved him and hold his memories dear to our hearts. May the Holy Comforter surround you. Blessings always. ”
- Dennis and Susan Peters
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 9:03 AM
“I was lucky enough to have Jack as a 4th grade teacher. I will never forget his class. His math class is where I was when 9/11 happened. He truly changed the lives of many children over his year teaching and he never forgot them. He would always stop to talk when running into past students in public. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
- Sarah Carstens
Monday, October 3, 2022 at 9:08 AM
“I enjoyed to work with Jack so much at The Country Inn and JerZee's. and I will miss he wear short in summer and winter month and he was a clown round at The Country Inn and JeZee's”
- Tami Wermeister
Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 3:56 PM
“Vanessa and family, Don and I send our sincere sympathy in the loss of Jack, husband and father. He was a cheerful enjoyable person. Blessings to you all.”
- Don and Donna Tjaden
Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 8:37 AM
“My deepest sympathy to the family. Sending Prayers and Hugs to the Family. Rebecca Peters ”
- Rebecca Peters
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 1:33 PM
“I was so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. My deepest sympathy to you, Megan and her family.”
- Shery Merritt
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 1:32 PM
“I am truly saddened by Jack's passing. I enjoyed working with Jack so much in the elmentary in Wall Lake. Every student that passed thru his classroom is a better person today because of having Jack as a mentor in their life. His no nonsense old school style of teaching was a great thing to observe. Every day I would look forward to our conversation while I cleaned his room after school. I always would go into his classroom during the day and bow to him which would bring giiggles from his class and a Stop that !!!! from a smiling Jack. He was a true friend and I know that he is at peace and without pain know. Vanessa and family: Thank you for sharing him with all of us. We are better becasue of knowing him.”
- steve nuetzman
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 1:32 PM
“Our sincere sympathy and deepest regards. RIP Jack”
- Rob and Marsha Bornhorst
Friday, September 30, 2022 at 7:03 PM
“Our deepest sympathy Vanessa and to your family. God bless.”
- John & Teresa Drilling
Friday, September 30, 2022 at 3:11 PM
“My sincere sympathy to you Vanessa. ”
- Marilyn Keiser
Friday, September 30, 2022 at 2:58 PM
“So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
- Sharon Lamaak
Friday, September 30, 2022 at 2:16 PM
“On behalf of the Lake View First United Church of Christ I'd like to extend our deepest sympathy to Vanessa and her family for the passing of her Husband Jack. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincere Blessings. Pastor Bruce Hauswirth”
- Pasto Bruce Hauswirth
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