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Jack McDermott, 88, of Ankeny, formerly of Schaller, passed away Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at Independence Village in Ankeny.
A Memorial Mass was held Jan. 2, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elkhart. Interment will take place at a later date at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Schaller.
Jack Roger McDermott was born Sept. 16, 1936, in Walnut, to Thomas and Louetta (Schlotfeldt) McDermott. He grew up in Walnut, graduating with the class of 1954. Jack continued his education at Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in agronomy. He worked in agriculture-related businesses, including drilling water wells with Merkley Well Company, worked for McHugh Industries in Sioux Rapids where he helped develop technology for weed control (the “Weed wiper”), and built hog confinements in Northwest Iowa up until his retirement in 1998. He also served our nation in the U.S. Army Reserves for 31 years — retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1985.
Jack was united in marriage to Ardythe (Ardy) E. Rethwisch in 1958; to this union four children were born: Mark, Jon, Paul and Linda.
Jack served on the Schaller School Board in the 1970s and was also a volunteer EMT in Schaller. He enjoyed playing bridge, helping out at St. Joseph's in Schaller and enjoyed doing Civil War re-enactments with a group of friends from the Sac County area. Most of all, he loved traveling with Ardy and making many memories with his children, family and a large circle of friends, all whom he cherished.
He is survived by his children: Mark (Barbara) McDermott of Downers Grove, Ill.; Jon (Anne) McDermott of Elko-New Market, Minn.; Paul (Denise) McDermott of Bella Vista, Ark.; and Linda (Martin) Aronow of Ankeny; grandchildren: Thomas (Sheila) McDermott, Jacklyn (Daniel) Knust, Luke (Cathleen) Aronow, Kayla Aronow, Sean McDermott, Julian McDermott, Kearney Quinn, Madeline Quinn and Margaret Quinn; and great-grandchildren: Elliot Aronow, Olivia Aronow, Noah Knust, Brooks Knust, Aya McDermott, Reina McDermott, Phoebe Quinn, Mason Quinn Hoenshell, Claire Quinn and June Fowler.
Preceding Jack in death were his wife Ardy; parents, Thomas and Louetta; brother Jerome; and sister Janet.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary’s-Holy Cross Church in Elkhart. Online condolences and memories of Jack may be shared with his family at AmesCremation.com.
