John "Jack" (Big Daddy) Wellnitz

John “Jack” Wellnitz, (Big Daddy) age 85, of Upper Arlington, OH passed away Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Forest Hills Center. He was born July 6, 1925 in Columbus, OH to the late Harry and Mildred Wellnitz; also preceded in death by his sister Irene Altman. Jack was a 1943 graduate of Holy Family High School and a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, WWII, where he fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Following his military service, he entered The Ohio State University where he completed his Master’s Degree in Education. Jack worked as the President of Harry Wellnitz Tru Blok Co. and then spent many years teaching and coaching baseball (truly his passion) in the Columbus Public School system, in the Upper Arlington Baseball Assn. and for St. Agatha Catholic School. He was a former member of the Columbus Athletic Club, The Columbus Maennerchor, the Knights of Columbus and was an avid fan of the OSU Buckeyes, the Browns and the Reds. Above all else, however, he loved his family, and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia A. (Grimes) Wellnitz; sons, Harry Wellnitz and Thomas Wellnitz; daughter, Mary Jane and son-in-law Lance Timmons; beloved grandchildren, Elliot and Jenna Timmons; twin sister, Jean Crites and sisters, Evelyn Reeder and Judy Baltimore; brothers-in-law Jon Altman and Robert Grimes; sisters-in-law, Lois Hughes and Jane (William) Higgins; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Family will receive friends 3:30-7pm Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL 1740 Zollinger Rd. Upper Arlington, OH 43221; Mass of Christian Burial 10am Wednesday, January 12, at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1860 Northam Rd., Upper Arlington, 43221; Fr. Daniel L. Ochs, Celebrant; interment St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Contributions in Jack’s name may be made to the Holy Family Soup Kitchen or to St. Agatha Catholic Church.