Memorial
His signature gravelly voice has been stilled, the Irish gift of gab has faded into the next world, but the love of family, friends and co-workers surrounded Jack Scanlan, 83, of Cedar Rapids, who died Sunday, July 9, 2017, at Higley Mansion Care Center after a recent diagnosis of lung cancer.
Jack, with his hale and hearty personality, forged friendships that lasted throughout his life, none more important than those established at National Oats Co., where he started in the purchasing department and retired as vice-president of purchasing in 1993, after 36 years. He traveled widely for his job, building a web of friendships throughout the United States. He kept in contact even after he retired. His monthly dinner meeting with fellow retirees was legendary and camaraderie was always on the menu.
Jack had kaleidoscopic interests, from traveling and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, reading The Gazette every day, keeping avid track of the Cardinals, the Hawkeyes and the stock market – to eating out with family and friends.
Jack was so proud of his daughters, Lisa Scanlan Getz (husband Bill) of Fairfax Station, VA, and Karen Scanlan, Marion, his handicapped daughter, of
Discovery Living, who works at Options of Linn County. There was a special bond that cemented them all together. And when Jack knew Lisa was coming to visit or when he was visiting Karen, he just glowed.
Jack was born to Clarence and Leone Scanlan. He was a proud and loyal member of the Class of 1952 at Immaculate Conception High School, and he still counted classmates as his friends 65 years later. He attended Coe College, later joining National Oats. He married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Naughton. His beloved wife died in 2011.
Jack is survived by his daughters and son-in-law; a twin sister, Jane Regan, of Cedar Rapids, and sister Jean Ann Kelzenberg (husband Irv) of Marion.
A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at All Saint’s Catholic Church by the Rev. John R. Flaherty. A visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and after 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the Church.
A National Oats colleague probably said it best: “His legacy lives on. Jack will be missed by all”.