Jack Niswander

Jack Duane Niswander, 90 of Charlevoix, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Jack was born on October 22, 1935, to Melvey and Fern (Durham) Niswander of Charlevoix, Michigan.

Jack attended and graduated from Charlevoix Schools. On August 21,1954, Jack married Rachel A. Pardee of Charlevoix. They made their home in Charlevoix where they raised their four children, Jack B., Becky, Shelly and Lori. In Jack's younger years while in school, Jack was involved with The Boys Scouts of America. During his time in the Scouts his troop went to Valley Forge, Penn. That was one of many great memories that Jack enjoyed reminiscing about.

Jack worked for a couple years at Freedman Art Craft, GM, (Flint Michigan), McClaughan Tool and Dye Shop, (Petoskey, Mich). He also worked for Reid-Mix Cement in Charlevoix and Medusa Cement Plant. In 1980 Jack and Rachel went on a new adventure and purchased the Silver Birch Motel. After years in the Motel business they sold and made their new home on Stover Road.

In 1986 Jack purchased a new dump truck and ventured into his own business which became, Niswander Trucking and Leasing. He had leased his trucking business services and joined Site Planning and H & D. During one summer month, Jack's truck was barged over to Mackinaw Island for road repairs. In the 1960's Jack was involved with the Sun-N-Sno motorcycle organization for many years.

Jack and Rachel would pack-up the family every weekend to travel all over Northern Michigan to attend the races that he so loved. Many friendships were made through the years of racing. Jack's hobbies included many years of Men's softball with the Charlevoix Recreation Dept. He was an avid golfer winning many golf tournaments in Michigan as well as in Florida. Jack enjoyed every moment he had on the golf course with all his golfing buddies. He also bowled for years in the Men's League at Paul Bunyan Lanes. Jack and Rachel spent many winters in Homosassa Springs, Florida.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife Rachel of 59 years on January 10, 2014. He was also preceeded in death by his parents, Melvey and Fern Niswander. His sister, Blanche Garver, Joseph, Richard, Melvin (Buster) and James Niswander.

Jack is survived by his children, Jack B. (Margie) Niswander, Becky (Duane) Kania, Shelly Collins and Lori Randall.
Eight Grandchildren, Joshua Holecheck, Jourdan (Travis) Oelke and Jennaca Holecheck. Jared (Ashley) Niswander, Jason (Alexandra) Niswander. Trisha (Tim) Lisk, Andrew (Ashley) Hallum and Hunter Randall. Thirteen Great Grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. Jack lived a full and very good life!

The family will be hosting a Memorial/Celebration of Life at Center Point Assembly of God 5291 M66 Charlevoix, on Saturday December 6 at 11:30 with a luncheon to follow.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.