Joseph C. "Jack" Etzler

Joseph C. (better known as Jack) Etzler took the deep six at approximately 10:45 a.m. Easter Sunday April 4th in his home of 68 years in Salem.

Jack was born in Salem to Ruth Law and George Etzler on Friday the 13th of March,1924.

He was a Salem High school graduate in 1942, WWII Navy veteran attached to the marines in the Pacific Theatre, graduate of Ball State University and voted for more democrats than republicans in his lifetime and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He was a Methodist and 60+ year member of Salem Lions’ Club.

On Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949 he married the love of his life, Jane Marilyn Coffman who passed away October 18, 2005.

He is survived by a son Scott (Becki) and 2 grandchildren, Erin and Andrew.

Jack always said it would be a crapshoot where his soul would spend eternity but always tried to maintain a lifestyle that kept him out of jail and always tried to live by the Golden Rule.

Jack will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the community he loved and supported throughout his life. He began his career as a teacher at Salem High School, then moved to a career in the  insurance business. He was on the board of Salem Savings and Loan, welfare board, school board (where he fought hard to build an indoor swimming pool), blood bank, Methodist Church board, long time Sunday school teacher and donated to causes far and wide.

His self-discipline was legendary and he was an avid solo runner in the early 60’s and eventually ran many 10k’s and mini’s with too many friends and family to mention. When his knees gave way he turned to cycling on a tandem with his pal, Jim Ralston. In his late 80’s he moved to a stationary bike at the Y which he could be seen riding as recently as this March. He was an avid reader, bridge player and  sports enthusiast and you knew where to find him at his 5:00 pm Happy Hour.  Jack always greeted with a smile and had a strong sense of humor as evidenced by the top half of this obit which he wrote. One of his favorite quotes by Alexander Pope is a good summation.  “Act well your part, there all the honor lies”.

The family wishes to thank all his friends for continuous support and visits and his 4 main caregivers Joyce, Rhonda, George and Kendall for their exceptional  love and care.

The location of the Funeral Service has been changed to the Salem United Methodist Church.  The time is still 11:00 am Friday and there will be visitation at the Church from 10:00 am until the time of the service.   The visitation on Thursday will be at the Dawalt Funeral Home from 4 until 8 pm.

Memorial contributions can be sent directly to the Salem YMCA or to the Salem United Methodist Church.

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