Jack Saunders, 91, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 16, 2018, at Park View Health Center in Oshkosh.
Jack was born on February 16, 1927, in East Chicago, Indiana to John and Katie Samarzia. He graduated from Washington High School in East Chicago and joined the Navy immediately following graduation. He served in World War II as a fireman on the USS Zellars (DD-777), nicknamed the Zippy Z.
After the war, Jack returned to Chicago to attend the American School of Art and graduated with a graphic design degree in 1948.
Jack married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean East, on October 8, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana. They moved to the Fox Valley shortly after where they worked and raised their six children.
He was employed at Hoffmaster/Scott Paper Company in Oshkosh for 35 years in the Art Department where he retired as the Head Art Director. After retirement, Jack and Barbara retired to Mesa, Arizona for 10 years where he enjoyed mornings with friends at the community pool and quiet hours painting in his home studio. Arizona held endless beauty in its landscape which inspired many of Jack's paintings in those 10 years. He also enjoyed learning about the state's history and culture, particularly the Southwest Native Americans.
Missing their children and grandchildren, Jack and Barbara moved back to Oshkosh in 2000. Jack also enjoyed reading and watching/talking about the Green Bay Packers any chance he got.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; a son, Bradley Saunders; a daughter, Valerie Saunders; and a granddaughter, Katie Winter Bettner.
Jack is survived by four children, Lindsay Saunders, of Casa Grande, AZ; Scott (Joyce) Saunders, Oshkosh, WI; Todd (Jackie) Saunders, Oshkosh, WI; Alison Saunders (Buck Eckholm), Winneconne, WI; and daughter-in-law, Lisa Saunders, Oshkosh, WI. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Colleen Saunders, Heather Saunders, Shannon Saunders, Matthew (Staci) Saunders, Ashley Saunders, Ainsley (Eddie) Warczak, Colin Rubbert, Colton Saunders, and Seneca Saunders. He also leaves behind fourteen great-grandchildren.
A special thank you to the aides and nurses at Park View Health Center who provided care, comfort, and love to Jack throughout the years and especially in his final days. Together, Jack and Barbara were cared for like family. Each of you will be forever in our hearts.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St., Winneconne. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Sr. Pam Biehl officiating.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.