Jack A. Claes

Jack A. Claes, 96, passed away peacefully of natural causes May 24, 2020.  He was born March 6, 1924 in Edgewater, New Jersey.  Jack was a beloved father, husband, WWII veteran, and a leader whose creativity and vision shaped award-winning parks and recreation facilities.

In 1943 Jack volunteered for the United States Marine Corps and served honorably in the South Pacific in amphibious battles in Eniwetok, Okinawa, and Guam.  He returned home and worked as a postman, taking night school classes at New York University.  In 1948 he married Dorothy O’Brien, and together they raised six children.

During his 29-year tenure as its director, the Elk Grove Park District Became nationally recognized for its excellence in programming.  Jack oversaw the development of Rainbow Falls Water Park, Fox Run Golf Links, Fountain Square Park, Pirate’s Cove, and the Pavilion Community Center, which was named for him in 1995.

Jack is survived by his wife and partner of more than 40 years, Jean (Vormittag) Claes; children,  Jacalyn (Vange) Claes, Robert (Kathy) Claes, Thomas (Jenny) Claes, Nancy (Vince) Barrett, Richard (Traci) Claes, and Kevin (Heather) Claes;  grandchildren, Jonathan, Kristin, Matthew, Kelly, Tim, Brandon, Brien, Colleen, Patrick, Grayson, Ethan, and Griffin; great nine grandchildren; and sister, Catherine Carrano.

Due to the current pandemic a memorial service will be held at a later date.