Jack L. Rife

Jack L. Rife, 93, of Rensselaer, IN, formerly of Warsaw, IN passed away Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Rensselaer Care Center. He was born in Paulding, OH on March 19, 1931, the son of Leo and Bessie (Brown) Rife.

Jack served in the U.S. Navy as a Gunner’s Mate Seaman aboard the U.S.S. Cone during the Korean War from 1948 – 1952.

On Dec. 27, 1952, in Butler, IN he married Shirley Faulkner.

Jack worked at his father’s dry-cleaning business as a youth, and continued at several other dry cleaners throughout his life, including over 25 years at Vogue Cleaners in Warsaw, IN.

He was an active member of the Lions Club for 20+ years. He was heavily involved with the Boy Scout’s Exploring program for nearly 40 years, including starting Explorer Post 67, serving as Committee Chairman, District Exploring Chairman, and Council Exploring Trainer. He earned the Anthony Wayne Area Council Patch, District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver Award.

Jack was an avid sailor. After teaching himself how to sail in the early 1970’s, he went on to sail into more than 200 different Great Lakes ports, the Apostle Islands, the North Channel, and the Thousand Island region of Lake Ontario. He also took advantage of the many lakes in and around Warsaw to sail or pontoon on.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Rife of Rensselaer; two daughters, Trina Hoy (spouse: Roger Aguilar) of Warsaw and Aurora de Jong (spouse: Derek de Jong) of Rensselaer; six grandchildren: Kalee Tuggle of Claypool, IN, Shyloh Lawrence (spouse: Nick Lawrence) of Leesburg, IN, Doron de Jong of Portage, IN, Caleb de Jong (spouse: Kayla de Jong) of Rensselaer, Aaron de Jong (spouse: Bree de Jong) of Kirklin, IN, and Brennen de Jong of Rensselaer; and three great-grandchildren: Kyla Wood of Ft. Wayne, IN, Melody Tuggle and Maggie Tuggle, both of Warsaw, IN.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Appleby; son-in-law Mitch Appleby; and his parents, Leo and Bessie Rife.

Private burial will take place at Weston Cemetery in Rensselaer. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Jack’s name to Elara Caring Hospice, 958 Mezzanine Drive, Suite C, Lafayette, IN 47905.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.