Jack Voss was a beloved pillar of strength for his family and community. His steadfast devotion to his faith was an inspiration to many.
Born on September 9, 1941 to John and Edna Voss, Jack grew up in Muskegon with his younger sister Sue (Asp). He worked in the family business, Voss Hardware, until he graduated from Muskegon High School in 1959. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Hartz) in 1962 and obtained his BA in Business from Western Michigan University in 1964. Over the years, they welcomed three children: daughter Terri, son Scott, and daughter Trish.
Jack had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the middle of his career, he founded a commercial insurance firm, Voss Insurance, which flourished. He came up with novel ways of delivering services which enhanced a niche part of the industry and won him several awards. He worked very hard for his clients and family.
In his spare time, Jack enjoyed playing indoor handball. He was athletic and placed in many handball tournaments around the state. Another passion was boating on Lake Michigan and inland lakes. He taught his children how to water-ski and fish. The family enjoyed many vacations at a local lake or their condominium in Holland. After raising the children, Jack and Carol had the opportunity to travel the world, visiting Europe, Australia, New Zealand, East Africa, Russia and Israel, as well as many places in the United States. He loved commercial fishing with his son-in-law in Alaska.
Jack always told his children to “put people first.” In his life, he modeled Jesus’s love for others. He was a Sunday School teacher, ran small groups for young adults, and was part of the Navigators Ministry, as well as Prison Fellowship. He served as an elder or deacon in his church, led countless Bible studies, was active with the Lion’s Club, and volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels.
Jack was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He is survived by Carol, his wife of 62 years, and children: daughter Terri (Matt) Metcalf of Holland, Scott (Vickey) Voss of Boyne City, and Trisha (Dave) LaLiberte of Erie, CO; grandchildren: Taylor Voss, Emily (Josiah) Granger, Sarah Voss, Ethan Metcalf, Ben Metcalf, Brynn LaLiberte, Brookelyn LaLiberte, Chloe (Jordy) Mills; great-grandchildren: John and Bow Voss, Kyler Granger, Jack and Archie Mills; sister: Sue (Chuck) Asp of Winston-Salem, NC; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will take place at Pillar Church of Holland, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 and the service will start at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
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