Jack Calkins Ginther

Jack C. Ginther of Franklin, WI passed away at his home from metastatic esophageal cancer on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025. His family was by his side. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Altenhofen) Ginther; his son, Scott A Ginther (Spouse – Megan) and his daughter, Jacquelyn G Oztemiz (Spouse – Serhan); his grandchildren: Natalie Ginther, Zeki Oztemiz, and Defne Oztemiz; and his brother-in-law, Frank Kahoun. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack M. and Betty J. Ginther; and his sister, George-Ann (Ginther) Kahoun.

Jack was born in Chicago, IL on March 1st, 1951. He grew up in Peoria, Illinois. Jack graduated from Richwoods High School in Peoria. He attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating at the top of his class. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Illinois, earning his Masters of Electrical Engineering. Jack began his professional career in Dallas, at Texas Instruments. He would move on to work in Fort Wayne, IN, at Magnavox, then Raytheon. Jack was the Technical Director for Raytheon Fort Wayne, which included the management of the “Technical Group”. He finished his career in Marion, Iowa, at Rockwell Collins. The bulk of Jack’s professional work was in the Aviation and Aerospace Defense Industry.

While at the University of Iowa, Jack met the young woman with whom he would spend over 51 years. Jack and Cathy were married in December of 1973. Their two children, Scott and Jacquelyn, were born and raised in Fort Wayne. They attended Indiana University and some of Jack’s fondest memories were of visiting them and attending IU men’s soccer games with family and friends.

Jack enjoyed playing sports in his younger years, including recreational basketball, baseball, football, softball, tennis, and golf. In addition to playing sports, he was a lifelong avid fan of Chicago sports teams, being thrilled by Da Bears’ Superbowl win in 1985. Jack was left speechless by the stunning World Series win by his beloved Cubbies in 2016. He was forever ready for the start of Cubs Spring Training.

Over the years, Jack kept in touch with his Peoria boyhood friends. Cathy and Jack joined many reunion canoeing and camping trips around the Midwest. He also remained in touch with close professional colleagues. Jack’s friendships meant a great deal to him.

Jack was an avid reader and loved both classical and rock music. His all-time favorite rock band was “The Who”. He also enjoyed woodworking over his lifetime. One of Jack’s favorite hobbies was assembling and painting military models, especially WWII German tanks. He was most impressed by the German Tiger Tank. He had the opportunity to stand beside one of these tanks in Saumur, France, in Bovington Camp, England, and in New Orleans. His hobby room is filled with shelves and cases housing his many models. Always with music or a Cubs game in the background, Jack worked at his hobby desk surrounded by Bears, Iowa Hawkeye, but mostly Cubs memorabilia. An unfinished WWII B25J Mitchell bomber plane model awaits him there.

Above all, Jack cherished the time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was the dearest husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by his family.

Jack’s Celebration of Life will be a private family event. Should you care to make a memorial donation in his name, please do so to the charity of your choice, or to the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage located in Franklin, Wisconsin.