Jeffrey Church

Jeff was born in White Pine on Jan. 16, 1954, to parents William “Bill” and Barbara Church. Jeff grew up in Kingsford and attended Kingsford schools, graduating in 1972 with the honors of being senior class president.

After graduation, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He completed basic training in Alabama and later was stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. After his honorable discharge in 1976, Jeff was employed with the Oscar G Johnson VA Hospital, where he held many titles. He later retired from the VA on Nov. 2, 2012.

Jeff enjoyed playing baseball for Greenleaf’s Bar, racketball, volleyball, basketball, and golf. Aside from sports, Jeff’s true passion was the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He never missed an opening day at the “Church Camp” in Fence, Wis.

He was also an active member of the Elks Lodge in Iron Mountain, where he was awarded the highest honor of Elk of the Year. He enjoyed spending his Fridays at the lodge having dinner and drinks with family and friends.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sandra Church; two daughters, whom he loved dearly, Lindsay (Joe) Dambroski and Monica (Jim) Willson; his two grandsons, Blake and Malek; his parents, William “Bill” (Florence) Church and Barbara Church (Ernie); a brother, Michael (Debra) Church; two sisters, Lynda (Rick) Steeno and Debbie (Mike) Rodman; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., with services starting at 5 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held afterwards at Bob & Gerry’s Bar (Jeff’s favorite “watering hole”).

The Jeffrey L. Church Memorial Scholarship has been established, and donations can be made directly to Kingsford High School.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Jeffrey Leon Church online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

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