Jack Junior Distler

ArraHe was born December 7. 1928 in Pontiac MI, a son of John and Julia (Diedrich) Distler. Jack holds a BS degree in zoology from Michigan State University and a Ph.D degree in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan. At U of M he taught Botany and Biological Chemistry and in 1964 joined the Rackham Arthritis Research Unit of the Department of Internal Medicine. He is recognized for contributions to the understanding of the metabolism of protein-polysaccharides associated with connective tissue. He also collaborated in the now classical means for the chemical synthesis of sugar nucleotides and further defined mechanisms for the uptake and intracellular trafficking of lysosomal enzymes in connective tissue cells. 1989 he retired and was granted Emeritus status by the U of M Regents. Jack was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Biological Chemistry, and Sigma Xi Research Society. He is survived by his wife, Ruthann Bertle Distler, brother Robert Distiler of Lansing and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother David Distler. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 11:00 with visiting from 10:00 until time of Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. Arrangements entrusted to the Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor