Jack Cruise

John “Jack” Hughes Cruise, the son of Michael “Hank” Henry and Stella (Hughes) Cruise, was born October 22, 1926, in Omaha, Nebraska. Jack entered eternal rest on Thursday, August 10, 2017, at Accura Healthcare, Stanton, Iowa, at the age of ninety years, nine months, and nineteen days.
Jack attended grade school at St. Margaret Mary and High School at Creighton Preparatory, in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Jack served his country proudly in the United States Navy during World War II. He served on the USS South Dakota. He was honorably discharged having earned the Victory Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal.
Jack was united in marriage to Theresa Curry on May 29, 1954, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Corning, Iowa. Following their marriage, they moved to Wichita, Kansas, before moving to Corning in 1956. Five children were born to bless this union: Michael, Timothy, Colleen, Patrick, and Thomas. Jack worked for the National Farmers Organization for 29 years. He was responsible for consigning grain and managing the grain transportation via trains and barges. Prior to working at NFO, Jack worked for Banker’s Life Insurance Company, and as Corning’s City Clerk.
Jack was an avid Corning supporter and active in his community. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the American Legion, Rotary, as well as a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He was extremely proud of his association with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, serving as a Boy Scout leader. Jack was a member of the Mid-American Boy Scout Council and received the Silver Beaver Award He was equally proud of his three sons and grandson who would become Eagle Scouts. Jack was an avid Husker football fan, holding season tickets for over 20 years. He enjoyed golf and hunting, especially duck hunting. Jack was very active in the Democratic Party, serving as the 5th District Chairman. At one time he ran for the Iowa Secretary of Treasury. Family was central to Jack and he didn’t “know a stranger” in this community. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish Jack’s memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Theresa, Corning, Iowa; children: Michael Leo Cruise, Reno, Nevada; Timothy John (Monique) Cruise, Plainfield, Illinois; Colleen Ann Cruise, Omaha, Nebraska; Thomas Martin (Amy Kane-Cruise) Cruise, DeWitt, Iowa; four grandchildren: Edie, Ryan, Connor, and Erin Cruise; great-grandchild: Eoin; many nieces; nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Preceding Jack in death were his parents; son: Patrick Joseph; sisters: Marjorie; Angela; Barbara.