Obituary of Jack F. Calbert

Jack F. Calbert, 84, of Varna, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Order of St. Francis Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. Jack was born in Indianapolis, IN on September 29, 1939, to Robert and Lavona (Milam) Calbert. Jack met and married his wife of 53 years, Norma Jean Little, in Coshocton, OH, on August 1, 1970; she survives. Also surviving are his two daughters, Jean (Todd) Yagoda of Charlotte, NC and Joy (Kyle) Hershberger of Normal, IL; his brother, Robert M. Calbert of Tyler, TX; and four grandchildren – Lauren and Reese (Yagoda), and Kellen Jack and Kasen (Hershberger). He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William “Bill Ed” Calbert. Jack proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-1967, stationed in Iceland as a Combat Information Officer, and on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier as an Assistant Air Control Officer, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant. His professional career at Montgomery Ward spanned from 1968-1996, in varying roles in store management and at the corporate buying office in Chicago, IL. Jack was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Toluca, IL serving in Men in Mission and the American Legion Post 323 in Henry, IL. Jack loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, taking road trips with Norma, soaking up the sun on his front porch, and never met a dog he didn’t love. A visitation will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Toluca on Saturday, April 6th at 10:00 AM, with a Memorial Service immediately following at 11:00 AM. Cremation rites have been accorded. Cremation Specialist of Illinois is assisting the family. Interment will be held at a later date in West Lafayette, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/) or Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/where-most-needed/). Online condolences may be left at www.CSofIL.com.