Jack Marcussen

Jack I. Marcussen 93, of Sparta, TN passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, TN.

Jack was born on September 30, 1931, in Peoria, IL the son of Martin and Mary Scheblin Marcussen.  He married Eva I. Keil on August 8, 1959. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Majorie Marcussen Schuster and Alvin (Dick) Marcussen.  Jack was close with his immediate family and although lived many years away from home, made a point to have regular contact and visit often.

Surviving are his wife of Sparta, TN and a host of nieces, nephews, great nephews, great nieces, great great nephews/nieces and cousins. Surviving family speak fondly of looking forward to Jack's visits home and the stories he would share of his travels and adventures.

Jack was raised in Bartonville, IL, attending Bartonville Grade School and graduating from Manual High School in 1949.  Jack was a PFC in the US Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War (1952-54). His military occupational specialty was Construction Draftsman doing surveying.  Jack's experience and job history is vast and extensive.  He began his career as an electrotyper apprentice before earning his degree at Bradley University with a major in Education for Industrial Arts and a minor in Social Studies (1957). While attending Bradley, Jack worked hard in school and out, never sitting idle by but continuing to build an impressive resume.  He worked at Hiram Walker Distillery as a car loader/checker, also a carrier for the US Post Office, a tram operator for a steel distributor, night clerk at a local hotel, and surveyor for the City of Peoria and for the State of Illinois.  Jack's first job in education was teaching Mechanical Drawing, Woodworking, Metal Working, Electricity and US History at Mid-County High School in Varna, IL (1957-59).  Jack met the love of his life at Mid-County when he spotted Eva at faculty meetings.  Eva was teaching in the junior high while Jack was at the high school.

Jack continued to earn his Masters degree in Educational Administration from Bradley University (1959) and moved to Roxana High School in Roxana, IL where he taught and then became Assistant Principal (1959-1965).  Jack earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from the University of Illinois in 1967. Jack was a research assistant and executive assistant for the Council of the Great City Schools in Chicago and Washington DC from 1967-1970.  Jack put down roots in education for Milwaukee Public Schools in 1970.  He worked as the Work Study Coordinator, Administrative Coordinator for Categorically Aided Programs, Assistant Principal and Assistant Superintendent before retiring in 1992.

Jack left the big city to retire in a lovely spot on top of "our mountain" in Sparta, Tennessee.  There, Jack continued to keep busy consulting and bookkeeping for local businesses.  At any given time, Jack could be found engineering something in his garage or around the house to fix what needed fixing, many times creating an extravagant solution that would impress any professional. Jack supported Eva's love of dancing and football so they continued to go dancing and were Titan season ticket holders for many years.  They are well known throughout the community and always had a favorite server or friend everywhere.  Jack was even known to bring his favorite sweet vermouth to the bartender so he would fix his drink just how he liked it.

Jack developed a fear of flying while in the military but due to the demands of his job and Eva's desire to travel, he learned quickly how to use his stubbornness to push through.  You would never know there was a fear at one time, Jack and Eva have seen the world together, with regular trips to many countries throughout Europe, Asia and also visiting Australia.  They traveled throughout 4 of the 7 continents, experiencing the home culture and enjoying every minute, from trains to cruises, they did it all together. They made many friends throughout their travels, many times keeping in touch and returning to spend time with them on their next trip.  Their last trip in 2019 was to Ukraine and that trip holds an extra special place in their hearts.

Jack's tenacity, determination and down right stubbornness, kept him active and busy right up to the week he passed.  His love for Eva was evident in his daily trips to the store, keeping the pantry stocked of her favorites and insisting he continue to do those tasks. Jack's impact and contributions have been great, he was loved by anyone he'd meet and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service is scheduled at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1 pm. Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to his service.  Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington.  Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements.