Jack Ford

Jack Ford

1932 – 2024

MAPLETON - Jack Lee Ford, 92, of Mapleton, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at the Maple Heights Nursing Home of Mapleton.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church of Mapleton. Pastor Curt R. Copple will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Grant Township Cemetery of rural Rodney. Military Rites will be conducted by the Loren Hollister Post No. 496 of the American Legion of Mapleton.

A Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m., on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church of Mapleton.

The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com.

Jack Lee Ford, the only child of Lee and Wanda (Hewitt) Ford, was born on Jan. 9, 1932, in Grant Township. He grew up in Rodney, and received his education from Smithland High School graduating with the class of 1950. 

In 1951, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Jack met the love of his life, Grace Gilmore. The couple were married on July 31, 1954. Upon his honorable discharge from the service in 1955, the couple called Mapleton home. They were blessed with six children: Steve, Terri, Vicki, Cathy, Sandy, and Diane. Jack worked many years at Mac’s Chevrolet before moving on to Mau Trucking in Ida Grove. He then went on to work at the post office as a rural carrier until his retirement.

In his younger days, Jack could be found tinkering in the garage, camping with friends and family or riding motorcycles with their Thursday night bike club. In later years, Jack could be found on the golf course, hunting with family or attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Jack took great pride in his family; he treasured time spent with them. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 70 years, Grace Ford of Mapleton; daughters Terri (Louis C.) Reed of Castana, Vicki (Don) Dorn of Sioux City, Sandy Gripp of Sioux City, and Diane (Dean) Lansink of Danbury; daughter-in-law Joan Ford (Daryl Ingram) of Mapleton; son-in-law Les Rodenburg of Mapleton; 13 grandchildren: Nikki Ford, Kyle Ford, Louis P. (Mindi) Reed, Renae (Adam) Nichols, Clint Dorn, Lexy Dorn, Nathan Rodenburg, Clayton Gripp, Darren (Jessie) Gripp, Austin Gripp, Mikayla (Tanner) DeVries, Brenna Lansink, and Collin Lansink; 17 great-grandchildren; extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Wanda Ford; son Steve Ford; daughter Cathy Rodenburg; in-laws Gorgen and Rose Gilmore; and many other extended family.

Services: Friday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m., at the St. John’s United Methodist Church, Mapleton

Burial: Grant Township Cemetery, rural Rodney

Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home • Mapleton • 712-882-2566