Jack L. VanLoo

Jackie "Jack" VanLoo, 78, of Wardsville, Mo., passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017, at St. Joseph Bluffs surrounded by his family. He was born October 9, 1938, in Jefferson City, Mo., a son of Raymond and Marie (Prenger) VanLoo, both of whom preceded him in death. He was united in marriage on September 9, 1961, at Immaculate Conception Church, Owensville, to Wanda L. Idel, who survives at the family home. Jack was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. He served in the United States Army Reserves and was a member of the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5. He was a Charter Member and past treasurer of the Wardsville Lions Club. He helped organize the Osage River Baseball League. Jack worked at Central Dairy, Central Electric Power Coop, Beaufort Transport Company, and later started his own business hauling cattle. Jack was a 1957 graduate of Helias High School, where he played football and received the Most Valuable Football Player award. He loved playing baseball, and played in the Osage League for over 15 years. He later managed several of the boys baseball teams. He was a proud supporter of Blair Oaks High School, attending many Blair Oaks football, softball, and baseball games. Jack had an amazing work ethic and prided himself on always staying busy. Besides his love of family, his main passion was taking care of his cattle. Most days you could find him outside fixing fences, tending to his cattle, using his tractor, or working in his vegetable and flower gardens. Most importantly, he cherished time with his family -- fishing, boating, hiking, rock collecting, or attending or playing sports together. He loved the family reunions and get-togethers at his home or on the Moreau River. He enjoyed walnuts, pecans, and raw turnips; auctions, and was an avid Cardinals, Royals, and Chiefs fan. Go Chiefs! Besides his loving wife of 55 years, Wanda VanLoo, he is survived by his children: daughters, Debra Watson of Overland Park, Kan. and Denice Rausch (husband Chris) of Waterloo, Iowa; son, Deron VanLoo (wife Connie) of Wardsville; brother, James VanLoo of Wardsville; brothers-in-law, Alfred Sommers of Fulton and Harlan Idel of Long Beach Calif.; grandchildren, Jenny Watson, Bradley Rausch, John Rausch, Brett VanLoo and Garrett VanLoo; dog, Daisy Duke; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Michael Watson; sisters, Rayma Forck, Dorothy Sommers, Grace Lauf, Marilyn Mary Holtmeyer, and infant sister, Mary Ann VanLoo; sister-in-law, Sarah VanLoo; brothers-in-law, Alfred Forck, Harold Lauf, and Alvis "Al" Holtmeyer. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2017, with a prayer service to be conducted at 3:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at St. Stanislaus Church with the Reverend I.C. Medina officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Stanislaus Church, 6418 State Highway W, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com