Proeschel, John (Jack) R, 87 of Tampa, Florida passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024. He was preceded in death by parents, Ray and Margaret Proeschel. Jack was born in Willmar, MN. In February, 1960 Jack married Connie Lohn who preceded him in death and is survived by son, Steve of St. Paul, MN (Barbara); daughter, Mary Marrs (Robert) of Tampa, FL and son, Tom (Betsy) of Valrico, FL, grandchildren, Kim, Brittany, Matthew, Caroline, William, Wendy, Jake and great grandchild, Austin as well as special friend, Janet Donahue.
A celebration of life will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchison Rd, Tampa, FL 33625. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Messiah Lutheran Church. They will be shared with his favorite ministries.
Jack was born in Willmar, MN where he graduated from high school in 1955. He began his long career in sales as a teenager, running a popular lakeside snack shop. During this time, Jack and his future wife, Connie, formed deep friendships with many high school friends that lasted until his passing. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1959.
Jack began his career working for Hallmark Cards. He probably spent more money in his life on Hallmark cards than he ever earned there, as he became known for remembering everyone’s special days, sending out hundreds of cards to friends and family. It was just one “hallmark” of his thoughtfulness for others.
For the next 30 years, Jack held a series of positions with Johnson & Johnson that took he, Connie and the family to the Twin Cities, Chicago, New Jersey and ultimately, Tampa. Despite a hard travel schedule, he always managed to put family and faith first, supporting his kids in their activities and volunteering at Lutheran churches the family attended along the way. Growing up, Steve, Mary and Tom all developed an appreciation for the importance of volunteer work from both of their parents that is with them today.
Jack retired in 1992 and enjoyed time on the golf course with many friends. He also developed a love for international travel. With Connie, and later on his own, Jack travelled to over 30 countries. He reached his seventh continent with a trip to Antarctica at age 79. Jack always had a love of animals and a sense of adventure.
He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, love of his grandchildren and the way he truly listened to everyone’s story. The family is incredibly grateful to the many caregivers and parishioners who treated him so well.
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