Jack Sayger, 88, Rochester, passed away at 6:32 a.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at Life Care Center of Rochester.

Near Athens, in Fulton County, John Wesley “Jack” Sayger  was born on May 20, 1929. He was a treasured son of  Herschel and Mary Feece Sayger. He was one of 12 children.  Jack graduated from Rochester High School in 1947.  Following high school, patriotism beckoned and he answered the call serving with the United States Army during the Korean War. During his stint of service he was stationed in at Fort Buss in Texas and was a member of the  top-secret Nike guided missile division.

On April 5, 1952  Jack married the love of his life, Elnora Avanell Tyler.  Their vows were recited at First Christian Church, Rochester  with Rev. Grant Blackwood officiating. They have shared 65 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children Barbara, Ronald and Timothy.  Over the years the family tree grew with the added blessings of six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

With a solid work ethic, Jack was a dedicated molder for Sibbley’s Machine and Foundry of South Bend.  He was a devoted employee for forty years retiring in 1992. A “Golden Eagle,” Jack was a member of the Eagles Fraternal Lodge for more than a half century.  He was also a member of the Schererville American Legion Post for over four decades.

To relax, Jack found peaceful tranquility in his garden.  Each spring the garden was planted.  He found great joy with maintaining, hydrating and cultivating.  Months later his efforts led to a bountiful autumn harvest and an opportunity to can, freeze make jams and soups for winters use by family and special friends.

Proud of the appearance of his  yard, Jack  groomed the lawn and manicured the landscape with meticulous precision.  He owned a unique collection of more than 300 clocks.  Weekends brought on the adventure of garage sales cruising the area with Elnora in search of hidden treasures and bargains of the day.

Left to cherish Jack’s memory are his wife Elnora; two sons Ron A. Sayger and wife Tina; Tim L. Sayger and wife Linda, all of Rochester; son-in-law: Mike Briney of Richland Center; six grandchildren: Heather Dawn Briney, Dr. Kara Martindale and husband Dr. Jeff, Katelyn Sayger, Nicholas Sayger and wife Julie, Rebecca Rude and husband Joshua, Laura Calvert and husband Kyle, twelve great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding John in death are his parents, daughter: Barbara Ellen Briney; four sisters: Wilodean Collins, Maudie Coleman, Nancy Baker, Laura Jean Lewis; seven Sayger brothers: LeRoy, Otis, Omer, Maurice, Harry and Walter and one brother in in infancy.

A celebration of the life of John Sayger will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 31 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.  Chaplain Jason See will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 2 -5 p.m. Sunday  and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.  Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the United States Army Honor’s team.

Interment will be in the Athens-Hoover Cemetery.