John (Jack) Wrede passed away May 8, 2008. Jack was born in Philadelphia on April 29, 1918 to Edward and Jenny Wrede. He moved to California when he was seven years old. He attended Hooveer High School in San Diego, but dropped out in the 10th grade to pursue his lifelong career as an excellent upholsterer. He worked in a shop with his father and brother, E.W. Wrede & Sons. He later went to work for the Civil Service teaching upholstering form 1968, until his retirement in 1980.

On Feb. 2, 1940, Jack eloped with his sweetheart, Joan Neel, to Yuma, Ariz. They were blessed with four children: Bunny, Kathi, Jackie and Randy. Bunny and her husband Fred Northcutt live in Tehachapi, Calif., and Kathi and her husband Gary Davis live here in Oak Harbor. Jackie and Randy died in early childhood. In 1942, Jack joined the Army and was honorably discharged in 1946.

For the last ten years Bunny and Kathi “shared custody” of “Grandpa” who loved spending time with his daughters and six grandchildren: Scott and Jack Northcutt, Kim Huwe and Heidi and Sean Davis. “Grandpa” also has 18 great grandchildren. They all loved spending time with him, hearing his stories and watching old cowboy movies together.

Jack had a big heart and was always there for his loved ones. He enjoyed going out for Mexican food at Don Jose’s and enjoyed camping with the Heartland Wanderers, and was a member of the Masons for over 60 years.

A service with military honors was held June 2 at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, Calif.