William John “Jack” Calfee age 90 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Waverly Care Center in Waverly. He was born on October 11, 1920 in Milbank, South Dakota. Jack was quite an athlete in his day and continued to enjoy his sons’, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s athletic events. He played baseball and football in high school and semi-pro baseball in Lincoln and Omaha in the late 1930’s.
Jack married Mildred Nelson on November 15, 1941. He served in the military from 1942 until 1945 as a Staff Sgt. with the United States 8th Army Air Corps. He was an aerial gunner on a B-17 bomber which made many missions in ETO (European Theater of Operations). He received many combat citations. After the war ended, Jack went into the trucking industry as a truck driver. He was a member of the local Teamster Union 608 and 554 for over 34 years. He was also a member of the VFW and the Northeast United Church of Christ. Jack was an avid auto racing fan and loved fishing.
Jack is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Linda Calfee of Lincoln; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Deb Calfee of Lincoln; 5 grandchildren, Amy and Mike Scheidt of Knoxville, TN; Todd and Jaimi Calfee of Bennet, NE; Carrie Bailey, Lisa and Randy Olson and Troy and Stephanie Calfee, all of Lincoln; 15 great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mildred on March 3, 2006, great-grandson, A.J. Bailey, sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Curly Groves, nephew, Jerry Groves and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Burial with Military Honors will be in Fairview Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.
Jack and Randy. I was saddened to read of Jack Sr’s. passing in this morning’s Journal Star. We are wintering in Tempe, AZ and I read the Lincoln paper daily on line. Your folks were wonderful people and you were fortunate that they were so supportive in all your activities especially baseball. The “spoon man” brought a smile to my face and always had a joke waiting for me when I would run into him. Sorry I cannot be there for his services but may God and time help heal your loss. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Calfee family. Terry & Jan Monk.
Randy, Jack, Todd and family: I was so sorry to hear that Grandpa Calfee had passed. That was the name I remember him by and someone that was always cheering us on at the baseball games. I always enjoyed watching him interact with Todd after a baseball game, and vividly remember he and Grandpa Colon talking baseball strategy on the old, wooden bleachers at Sherman field. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack, Randy and families, I am sorry to read of your fathers passing. As neighbors we shared many “good times” together, many thoughts and visitations and sometimes disagreements.(Can you believe that?) Neverthe less, I will miss him as I did your mother.
I did try to visit Jack last time I was in Lincoln not knowing he was in the nursing home. My sympathy is with all of you and you will be in our prayers during this time.
I will always remember his spoon playing and going to the baseball games. He was so proud of his family.
Vern & Joan Kuhn
Randy, Jack, Todd and the whole Calfee family: Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad/grandpa. I always remembered him being around and being an integral part of your lives and careers. Was a great man…just like the rest of you. Celebrate his life…and carry the memories with you close. My best to you all! Barry
I am so sad that we cannot be with you all today to celebrate and remember Grandpa Calfee’s life. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers today. I will never forget how much Grandpa loved his family and how he enjoyed supporting and cheering all his grandchildren and great grandchildren on in their sporting activities. I loved listening to his stories (I’m not sure if they were true or not). I have so many great memories of spending time at Grandma and Grandpa Calfee’s house; especially the egg hunts at Easter, eating chili and oyster stew (gross) on Christmas Eve, and trying to master the stilts on the driveway. I will cherish them all.
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3
Amy Scheidt
Mike, Kylann, Austin, and Brooklyn
Randy and Deb,
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Cherish all the great memories and keep them close to your hearts. I am thinking about you. Take care and god bless. Kasey Moser
I was sorry to see that your father has passed away. Your mother and my mother, Antonia Robbins, were roommates at Homestead. I always enjoyed visiting with your dad there; he was a very special and kind man. Your parents are together once again. God bless you. Betty Robbins Hollman
Dear Jacky, Randy and families:
I am sorry to have missed your dads service but I am unable to take the paper and by the time the neighbor who saves hers for me got it to me, the services were over.
My memory of your dad go back to WW11 when I was 8 or 9 and mom, Millie, and Aggie sat around our dining room table in Havelock, writing those Vmail letters to your dad and uncle and my dad. They were indeed of the “great generation” He and his “spoons” and smile will be missed..God bless you all.
Doris