John A. ‘Jack’ Fortier

He was born on Sept. 6, 1933, to Arthur R. and Marion (Vicory) Fortier in Iron Mountain. He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1951 and from Michigan State University in 1955 with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering.

He served as a first lieutenant in the Army Corp of Engineers, honorably discharged in 1964. He married Sally Frickleton on Dec. 25, 1953, at St. Mary & St. Joseph Church in Iron Mountain. Together they shared 70 beautiful years of marriage and raised three children.

Jack spent his entire professional career working for Bacco Construction Company, the last 23 years as president, retiring in 1996. Jack was past president and board member of the Michigan Road Builders Association, AGC of America and many local service and charitable organizations. He also served as a director for the First National Bank for 16 years and has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder for many years.

Jack’s hobbies were hunting, fishing and golfing. Jack and Sally enjoyed traveling, but their favorite places were Spread Eagle, Wis. and Barefoot Beach Fla., where they spent many years enjoying friends, beach walks, and sunsets. They especially loved family gatherings where Jack would marvel at what he and Sally had started.

John is survived by his loving wife, Sally; his children, Darcy Kassin (Rich Sorenson), John (Teresa) Fortier, both of Iron Mountain, and Jill (Eric) Sesselmann of Muskegon, Mich.; his sister, Marylee (Frank) Oatley of Marquette; one sister-in-law, Bonnie Fortier of Iron Mountain; 10 grandchildren, Michelle (Sam) Sharp, Joe Kassin, Russ (Joy) Kassin, Dana (Mike) Cook, Jenna (Todd) Buckley, Kyle (Jackie) Fortier, Kristen (Adam) Kosidowski, Sarah (Jeff) Chilman, Meagan (Eric) McPherson, and Eric (Brooke) Sesselmann; and 25 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Marion Fortier; and his brother, Art Fortier.

The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers who were such an important part of their daily lives: Colleen, Heather, and Carol.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. A Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Bob Malsack officiating. Burial will be in the Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of John “Jack” Fortier online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.