John F. “Jack” McEvoy

John F. “Jack” McEvoy

Jan. 13, 1932-Feb. 28, 2023 

VISITATION: Sunday, March 5th, 2pm with a Wake Service at 4pm at West Center Chapel.

FUNERAL: Monday, March 6th, 10am St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Valley, NE).

Interment Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials to Waterloo Fire Department or Methodist Fremont Hospice.

John “Jack” F. McEvoy entered into eternal life on February 28, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nora McEvoy, wife Ann “Sue” McEvoy; children Jane Juedes and Paul McEvoy; grandchildren, Matt Rhoades and Joey Rhoades; brothers: Bob, Jim, Bill, and Tom McEvoy.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon McEvoy of Waterloo; children: Pat (Sandy) McEvoy of Waterloo, Mary Jo Rhoades of Omaha, Mike (Lori) McEvoy of Waterloo, Rita McEvoy of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jim McEvoy of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Sue McEvoy of Waterloo, Deb (Bud) Walvoord of Waterloo, Rob (Laura) Flynn of Valley, Mark (Lori) Nielsen of Bennington, sister Mary Ann Gruttemeyer of Omaha; sisters-in-law: Judy McEvoy, Kathy McEvoy, and Mary Ann Dworak; many nieces and nephews; 21 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

Jack was born in Omaha and was raised near 26^th and F streets alongside his 5 beloved siblings. He was baptized at St. Bridget’s Church and remained a faithful Catholic throughout his life. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1949 and fought in the Korean War. When he returned home, he met Ann “Sue” Dworak, whom he married in 1953. The pair eventually made a home in the Waterloo area, where they raised their 8 children.

As a family, they enjoyed visiting Grandpa Pappy and Grandma Mary in Canada, attended church at Saint John the Evangelist parish in Valley, gathered for Sunday dinner with grandparents, and enjoyed outdoor activities. His career as a Steamfitter started in 1953, and he was a proud 69-year member of Local Union #464. Constantly described as an incredibly hard worker, Jack provided for his family and instilled in them the value of a hard day’s work. When the workday ended, he enjoyed sharing a drink, a laugh, and a good story with friends and family.

He also loved to travel, including trips to Ireland, Spain, Italy, and the Vatican. He was proud of his Irish heritage and never missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish. Jack loved being near water, whether it was the lakes near Two Inlets, Minnesota, the ocean near North Padre Island, Texas, or navigating the Platte River on his airboat. After 50 happy years with Sue, she passed in 2004.

Jack was blessed to find a new love in Sharon. He saw her from across the room under a hair dryer and was instantly smitten. They married in 2006 and spent 16 years holding hands, comforting one another in good times and bad, and becoming “Winter Texans,” escaping the bitter Nebraska cold for the sun and surf of North Padre Island. They welcomed 27 great-grandchildren, each one a celebration and a blessing. Jack will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered through the countless stories we will continue to share.