MENDOTA - John T. “Jack” Etzbach, 82, of Mendota passed away peacefully in the early morning of Nov. 9, 2018 at Ottawa Pavilion.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Schwarz Funeral Home with a memorial service immediately following with Deacon Mike Timmerman officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial of ashes will be at a later date.

Jack was born Oct. 11, 1936 in Mendota to John G. and Lillian (Meyer) Etzbach. He wed the love of his life, Marianne Bowne in Rochester, Minn. on Aug. 10, 1960.

Survivors include his wife; two children, Matt (Lori) Etzbach of Mendota and William (Dr. Colleen) Etzbach of Menominee, Wis.; five grandchildren, Ashley (Tyler) Eich and Stephanie (John) Hansen, both of Mendota and Haley, Zach and Mason Etzbach, all of Menominee, Wis.; and four great-grandchildren, Rory and Rylan Eich and Lilly and Zeke Hansen.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jack graduated from Mendota High School in 1954. Following graduation, he pursued his love of cars which led to his entire working life in the automobile industry. Starting out, he owned and operated Mendota Auto Sales and Etzbach Cycle Sales. He worked at various car dealerships throughout the Illinois Valley during his life. He had a love of all motorsports and local sports teams. Another passion of his was racing. He raced motorcycles professionally and also competed in numerous demolition derbies. He and Marianne lived in Mendota where they raised their two children. He had an extreme love for family and friends and was a very involved father and grandfather. His affection was always in the forefront for his children and grandchildren. He displayed kindness and generosity along with extreme giving to all. He would secretly purchase coats and toys for families in need in the area and deliver them anonymously. Jack always had pets whom he loved dearly.

Memorials may be directed to IVAR (Illinois Valley Animal Rescue).

Condolences may be left at schwarzfuneral.com.