Racine- Jack E. Tarkington, Jr., 44, passed away unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints intensive care unit, following an acute illness, on Monday, December 17, 2007, surrounded with the love of his family. A lifetime resident, Jack was born in Racine on March 1, 1963 to the late Jack E. and Jean A. (nee: Zinnen) Tarkington Sr. He graduated from William Horlick High School in 1981. Among his interests, Jack was an avid reader. He especially was fond of reading history and military books. In his younger years, he was involved in drum and bugle corps and was a talented athlete. The number one priority in life was his family. Jack was a passionately devoted brother and uncle who was always so loving and caring. He will be deeply missed. Surviving are his sisters and brother, Sheryl (Rick) Krohn, Tom (Terri) Tarkington and Deb Ryder, all of Racine; his beloved nieces and nephews, Lauren and Melissa Krohn; Matt and Andrew Tarkington; and Samantha, Jacob and Mitchell Ryder; aunts and uncles, Donald (Carol) Christensen, Darlene Zinnen, Pat Hazlett and Marion Mahaffy; great-aunt, Elizabeth “Betty” Zinnen; and special friend, Sandy Thillemann. Further surviving are many dear cousins, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his grandparents, Aloys and Mabel Zinnen; and Sedley “Tom” and Violet Tarkington; aunt, Mary Christensen; and uncles, Robert Zinnen Sr. and Alfred Mahaffy. In accordance with Jack’s wishes, cremation will take place. Memorial services celebrating Jack’s life will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 3:00 pm with Rev. Holly Anderle officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 1-3 pm. Private interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. A heartfelt note of thanks to the physicians, nurses and other staff members of All Saints-ICU; and to Jack’s brother-in-law, Dr. Steven Ryder, for their compassionate care and for doing everything in their powers in trying to save Jack’s life. God bless all of you!
Steven Walton says
My deepest sympathy to jacks family.I went to high school with jack and played on the drum line with him in the kiltie kadets.
although I hadn’t seen him in years I was sad to here of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve Walton and family
timothy neil tarkington says
Sorry to hear of this, he was my half brother.