John “Jack” Truitt
John Truitt
MARQUETTE, MI – John “Jack” Truitt, 89, the patriarch of the family, passed away following complications of a heart attack on August 9, 2023. He was surrounded by his family, holding hands with his beloved wife, Gloria.
He was born September 18, 1933 in Mahomet, Illinois, to Orville and Lenora Truitt. Jack is a veteran of the US Army followed by service as an intelligence agent with the CIA. After serving his country he attended and graduated from Devry Technical Institute with a degree in engineering. He did post graduate work at the University of Illinois and continued there as an instructor of television principles. He moved to Marquette in 1960, where he worked as Chief Engineer for TV 6 for 38 years before retiring in 1998. Shortly after his move to Marquette he met the love of his life, Gloria Smith. They were married on June 1, 1962 at First Presbyterian Church of Marquette and recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Together they raised their two children, John and Laura.
Jack enjoyed wood working, maintaining their historic rock garden, and time with their children, grandkids, and great-granddaughters. He served the First Presbyterian Church over the last 63 years on various committees, teaching Sunday school, as a Deacon, an Elder, and for the past 24 years was the volunteer sexton of the church. Jack was also a beloved volunteer at Marquette General Hospital for 26 years.
Jack and Gloria enjoyed many travel adventures with their children. They were blessed spending 21 winters in Destin, Florida walking the beach and hosting theme parties. They loved their snowbird family and their daily 4:00 “circle of knowledge” meetings. Those who were fortunate to know Jack knew that he was a responsible man in his love and commitment to his family, friends, his job, church and to the Lord. He was kind, honest, smart with an inner compass directing him toward only goodness.
Jack is survived by his wife; Gloria, son; John (Jennifer) Truitt, daughter Laura (Zane) Farnsworth, grandchildren; Sarah (Austin) Wachnicki, Zane Farnsworth, great- granddaughters; Everleigh and Vivianna Wachnicki, sister; Dolores (Richard) Martin, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 16, at First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front Street, Marquette. Please use the Blaker Street entrance. The family will receive visitors at 11:00 am in the church parlors and the service will be at 12:00 pm. Rev. Dr. Lawrence A. Jones will officiate. A luncheon to follow in the social hall.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the stellar care Jack received by the ICU staff at UPHS.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.