Jack Gearhart

Jack Ruxton Gearhart, 74, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at the Exira Care Center, Exira, Iowa.

Jack was born September 30, 1936, to Glenn and Lois (Ruxton) Gearhart in Cascade, IA. His family moved to Nevada, IA when he was in elementary School. Jack and his family remained in Nevada through the rest of his schooling years and he graduated from Nevada High School. He also attended Drake University for two years. Jack served for two years in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge from the service.

He was united in marriage to Helen Marie Boten on May 5, 1962. Jack and Helen are the parents of four children, Richard, Cindy, Jan and Michelle.

Jack began employment with the Iowa Department of Transportation as a highway and bridge inspector. He retired July of 1994 after 34 years with the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Jack was a past member of the Elks Lodge #445 in Atlantic. He was also a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Atlantic.

Jack's love of sports was his passion, which included golf, baseball, football and basketball. He was very talented in basketball in high school and played for Drake University during his two years of college.


Jack is survived by his wife, Helen of Atlantic, IA; his son, Richard (Tammy) Gearhart of Cincinnati, OH; his daughters, Cindy (Fred) Steckel of Salem, OR and Jan (Brent) Myers of Atlantic, IA; his grandchildren, Brandon Steckel of Salem, OR, Carrie (Jeff) Rummelhart of Salem, OR, Mallory (Jay) Robinson of Des Moines, IA, Megan Myers and boyfriend Chase Mewhirter of Atlantic, IA, Nick Myers of Atlantic, IA, Keith (Jennifer) Gearhart of Cincinnati, OH, and Tad Gearhart, Paige Gearhart and Nina Gearhart all of Cincinnati, OH; four great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; his brother, Richard (Anna) Gearhart of Waukon, IA; one nephew; three nieces; other relatives and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Lois; his father-in-law and his mother-in-law, Henry and Arlene Boten; his daughter, Michelle Gearhart-Wells; and his granddaughter, Danielle Gearhart.

In honor of Jack's wishes cremation has taken place and a gathering of family and friends, with a lunch and time for fellowship, will be held Saturday, July 23, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Atlantic.

A private family interment of his cremains will be held at the Brighton Township Cemetery in Marne, IA.