Jack George Nietzel

Jack George Nietzel passed away peacefully at home on February 14, 2018 at the age of 82. Jack was born in Muscatine, Iowa on March 28, 1935 to Verle and Myrle Nietzel. He graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa in 1957. Jack was an enthusiastic businessman who worked in the family business at Sterneman’s Clothing Company in Muscatine. Jack moved to Phoenix in 1968 and worked at a variety of ad agencies starting with Jennings & Thompson, when Duncan Jennings took a chance on a young, inexperienced copywriter. He polished his marketing skills through the many transitions of J&T before going on to work for Circle K and KTAR Radio. Jack was an active member of his churches, teaching Sunday School for 50 years, and serving as Deacon and Elder at Highland Bible and Bethany Bible Churches. He loved his Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a great example to all who knew him. Jack was an enthusiastic sports fan who avidly followed all the Phoenix area teams, including making a memorable trip in 1997 to watch ASU play in the Rose Bowl. Jack passed along his love of sports to his entire family. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing courses across the U.S. and abroad. He was a frequent traveler and cruiser. Jack dearly loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judy, and his brother Dr. Michael Nietzel of Jefferson City, Missouri. He is survived by his four children: Tim (Debra) of Columbia, Missouri; Kelly Beckham (Lewis) of Republic, Missouri; Scott (Melissa) of San Diego, California; and Sarah Hensiek (David) of Phoenix and six grandchildren: Abby and Micah Hensiek; Jordan and Kelsey Nietzel; and Madi and Trey Beckham. He is also survived by two great grandchildren. Jack will be greatly missed. A private family burial will be held to celebrate Jack’s life. An open house will be hosted by the family at a later date for Jack’s family and friends. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Dallas Theological Seminary or to Samaritan’s Purse.