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Jack Harper
Jack Wilson Harper, 88, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Medilodge in Ludington.
Jack was born on April 12, 1937, son of John and Lois (Wolford) Harper in Mt. Pleasant. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1955.
Jack served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, where he served with the Second Battalion 23rd Infantry as company clerk and on their rifle team.
He married Charlene Kay Fortin on May 29, 1959. They enjoyed many adventures together in the 66 years that they were married. Jack and Char were parents to four children and foster care parents who welcomed and cared for over 50 children in their home.
Jack worked as a deliveryman for Michigan Bakery. In 1965, Jack began working for the Ludington Police Department. In 1967, he attended West Shore Community College where he received more police training. He retired from the police department after serving as chief of police from 1979 to 1989.
Jack became a local realtor and served two terms as a Ludington city councilman. During those two terms, he was instrumental in the creation of such things as the Waterfront Park historic sculptures and the Peter Copeyon Park fishing pier. He was also a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church and served on various committees including the building committee for the church on Nelson Road.
Jack and Char enjoyed traveling, especially to Alaska. They spent several winters in Florida where he was once crowned “The Corn Hole King.” Jack also enjoyed softball, bowling, hunting, fishing, and canoeing. For over two decades, every September meant a canoe fishing trip for Jack and a few of his family members and friends.
Jack was a Christian man of deep faith. These words are his quote from their 50th Wedding Anniversary: “We were taught to have faith and the Lord would provide, and He did! This was a weak faith for us at first, but now as we look back at our lives we can see the pattern of being provided for…..The testing times of life have developed the maturity of our faith. Thank you God and thank you family and good friends for your love and support throughout the years.”
Jack is survived by his wife, Charlene of Ludington; his daughter Marcie (Vern) Poll of Ludington, son Roy (Dawna) Harper of Ludington, and son Peter Harper of Muskegon; six grandchildren: Jonathan Poll of Holland, Elise Padron of Branch, Bethany (Payton) Saunders of Chesterton, Indiana, Rebecca (Mark) Hamilton of Ludington, Cassie (David) Sanchez of Hudsonville, Justice Harper of Ludington; and eight great-grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents John and Lois Harper; his brothers Bill and Jerry Harper and his daughter, Kristen Katherine.
Jack’s memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 11 a.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ludington. Pastor Ryan White will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association, Cornerstone Baptist Church or Corewell Hospice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Servies, www.GraceCremations.com
