Stewart E. Trefry

Stewart E. “Jack” Trefry, 84, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2008 in Sarasota, FL. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 2:00 P.M., Monday, July 14, 2008, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Wade Panse officiating. Fellowship with the family will follow in Starks & Menchinger Community Room until 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Those wishing to send a condolence message online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Jack was born on June 25, 1924 in Marshall, MI to William E. and Theresa (Alexander) Trefry. After graduating high school in 1942, Jack enlisted in the Navy and entered the pilot training program in Pensacola, FL. Upon completion of his service he married Sally Ann Wickwire of Detroit, MI and moved to the Twin Cities in 1946. Employed by Michigan Bell Telephone his entire career, first as Sales Manager and later in Public Relations, Jack made his home in St. Joseph. Jack was an active member of the community. As Chairman of the United Community Fund, he raised thousands of dollars by bringing his beloved Glen Miller Orchestra to the old Shadow Land Ballroom at Silver Beach. He was also very active in the Boy Scouts for all 3 of his sons. He enjoyed the cooking and camping, but mostly the annual trip to Mackinac Island with his troop 23. Always the family man, Jack retired early and followed three of his children to Florida, where he enjoyed golfing, dining, and his grandchildren. He also enjoyed escaping Florida summers by R-V-ing back to Michigan, where he caught up with old friends, and enjoyed many perch dinners at Bill’s Baroda Tap. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sally, son Tim, and sister Marge Youngs. He leaves behind two sons and a daughter – Bill Trefry of Benton Harbor, Jeff (Janet) Trefry of Sarasota, FL, and Susan Barlow of Benton Harbor; six grandchildren – Erin Barlow, Molly Trefry, Megan, Jack and Mike Trefry, and Christina Holdridge; many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.