John "Jack" Platter

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at the Schuchert Funeral Home in Spirit Lake for John "Jack" Platter, age 78, of Estherville, who passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at his home in Estherville.

He was born on Jan. 7, 1932, in Estherville, to John and Martha (Nielson) Platter.

Jack graduated from Graettinger High School in 1950. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1950, until 1952. Jack was united in marriage to Betty Hanson on November 13, 1952, in Jackson, Minn.

Jack owned and operated Platter Excavating from 1950 until 1980, in Estherville. Jack and Betty moved to Arizona, where he taught heavy equipment. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, the Elks Club, a volunteer fireman for 18 years and served on the city council for Estherville and Orleans. Jack enjoyed spending his spare time fishing, woodworking, gardening, restoring antique tractors and cars and making people laugh and pulling pranks. His true passion in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his wife, Betty Platter of Estherville; two daughters, Deb Thiel, and her husband, Mark, of Estherville, and Tam Hauber, and her husband, Tom, of Spirit Lake; a brother, Lowell Platter, and his wife, Lois, of Graettinger; nine grandchildren, Angie Hoffman, and her husband, Greg, Heidi Schneider, and her husband, Jason, Sara Hauber, Amy Newman, and her husband, Clay, Chris Thiel, and his wife, Katrina, Chad Thiel, and his wife, Brandy, Jenny Coulter, and her husband, Jason, Nick Thiel, and his fiancé, Jen Atwood and Markus Thiel; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jack's name.