John “Jack” Francis Sperback

John Francis “Jack” Sperback, age 94, was born on January 11, 1932, to Roy and Gertrude Sheperd Sperback. His life was defined by faith, family, service, dedication, humor, and a genuine appreciation for the people and experiences that made life meaningful.

Jack was a loving brother to Marilyn Jackson, deceased; Phyllis Feiber; Robert “Bob” Sperback; and Richard “Dick” Sperback, deceased. Family was always an important part of Jack’s life, and he remained connected to those he loved throughout the years.

Jack graduated from Jefferson High School in 1949 and went on to attend Purdue University. While at Purdue, Jack chose to put his education on hold and enlist in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for four years during the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge at the conclusion of his service.

After leaving the Air Force, Jack continued his education, traveling and gaining life experiences along the way before earning a degree in Business and Accounting. His military service and the experiences that followed helped shape the discipline, independence, and strong work ethic that would become hallmarks of his life and career.

It was during this chapter of his life that Jack met Carolyn Jane McCreery. Their connection was immediate, and just six months after they met, Jack and Carolyn were married on June 27, 1964. What began as a double date with others became a 62-year marriage.

A Devoted Husband and Father

Carolyn survives Jack, and their 62 years together remain one of the most beautiful parts of his story. Their life was filled with faith, family, laughter, and the simple moments that became treasured memories.

Jack and Carolyn enjoyed dancing together and sharing happy moments on the dance floor, maybe not always, as Carolyn would say, when he accidentally got too wild on the dance floor and broke her nose. But some of their most meaningful moments were much simpler. They enjoyed sitting together on the couch, holding hands, and simply being together. Those quiet moments reflected the comfort, companionship, and love they shared throughout their marriage.

Together, Jack and Carolyn were blessed with five children and eleven grandchildren, creating a family that became the center of their lives.

Their children are Cathy Hartz and her husband, Nathan; Sherri Hetiseimer and her husband, Craig; Terri Wright and her husband, Doug; Tom Sperback; and Joe Sperback and his wife, Brook.

Grandchildren: Michael, Daniel, Christopher Petgen, John (Erin) Hartz, Austin (Katrina) Hartz, Megan (Nick) Rynearson, Christina Hetisimer, Grant Wright, Lauren (Brandon) Baldocchi, and Karsyn and Kinsley Sperback. Special mention goes to their beloved four-legged companions, their beagles, Tippy and Duster, and current cat Samantha.

Sherri and Terri are identical twins—something Jack and Carolyn did not know until they arrived. The doctor had not told them they were expecting twins before delivery, so welcoming two daughters instead of one was quite a surprise. It became one of those family stories that was remembered and enjoyed for years to come.

Jack started smoking at the age of 13 and was rumored to have caught a field on fire while sneaking cigarettes with a friend, although unproven! When his first child, Cathy, was born when he was 32, he made the decision to give up smoking “cold turkey” for the love of his first born as well as his favorite drum set. It was a meaningful turning point in his life as he embraced the responsibilities and joys of fatherhood and put his family first.

Jack was a dedicated son, father, father-in-law, brother, and nephew. He loved his parents deeply. Throughout his life, he willingly cared for several family members during times of need, offering his time, support, and companionship as they traveled their own journeys toward heaven.

One of the greatest examples of the love and devotion within Jack’s family was shown by his oldest son, Tom. In the later years of Jack and Carolyn’s lives, Tom put his own life on hold to care for them, allowing them to remain together in their home and to grow old with dignity, comfort, and one another by their side. His selfless commitment gave them something truly precious—the opportunity to spend their final years together at home, surrounded by the familiarity of the life they had built and the love of their family. It was a profound act of love and sacrifice, and one that Jack would have been deeply proud of.

Jack had a genuine interest in genealogy and enjoyed discovering more about his family history and the generations who came before him. He valued knowing where he came from and understanding the family traditions, values, and faith that had been passed down to him.

Jack also enjoyed playing the piano and was quite good at it. But he would probably be the first to admit that he wasn’t quite as good as his brother, Richard “Dick” Sperback, who was considered legendary on the piano and organ back in the 1980s.

Jack loved the music of the 1950s, a soundtrack that brought back memories of his younger years and the times he enjoyed most. He never quite understood the MTV era his children grew up with, but that difference in musical taste became another fond and humorous part of family life. He was known to say the last good song was “You Light Up My Life” by Debbie Boone!

Jack enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He collected coins, played the piano, and took particular pride in restoring his parents’ 1965 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88. The Oldsmobile still remains in the family today, a treasured reminder of Jack, his parents, and his appreciation for family history.

He also enjoyed, even now and then, a good margarita on the rocks. And when it came to beer, he had his own preference—with a little salt on it.

A Distinguished Career

Jack dedicated more than 50 years to the accounting profession and eventually owned and operated his own accounting company, McCreery & Associates.

His commitment to his profession was exceptional. Jack continued working until the age of 87, demonstrating the discipline, independence, and strong work ethic that were such an important part of his character.

But Jack’s work was never simply about numbers. He genuinely enjoyed his clients and the conversations that came with his work. He valued the relationships he built over the years and enjoyed staying connected to the many people who became part of his professional life, many of whom he served for decades.

Jack was also known for his sense of humor and his ornery nature. He enjoyed a good laugh and was never afraid to tease or joke with those around him, especially his daughter-in-law, “Brookey.” That playful side was part of what made Jack uniquely Jack, and those who knew him best will smile when remembering him.

His Faith and His Life of Service

Jack’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. It shaped the way he loved his family, served others, approached his responsibilities, and faced each chapter of his life. His faith was not simply something he believed; it was something he lived. Whenever anyone was in need, Jack was always there.

Jack and Carolyn were lifelong parishioners of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where Jack received the sacraments and where they were married. Their faith was woven into their marriage and family life, becoming a foundation that would be carried forward through the generations.

From an early age, Jack understood the importance of serving others. He served as an altar server at St. Lawrence and continued that spirit of service during his four years in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he also served alongside and under the guidance of the military Chaplain. Later in life, Jack served his parish for many years as an usher and his youngest son Joe continues this St. Lawrence tradition.

For Jack, service was never about recognition. It was simply part of who he was. Whether serving his country, his church, or his family, he believed in showing up, doing what needed to be done, and being there for others.

Jack would often say that Carolyn, being a convert to the faith, made her a better Catholic than he was. With his characteristic sense of humor, he readily acknowledged the positive influence Carolyn had on his life. She made him a better man and, as Jack would have put it, she did her job helping him get to heaven.

Jack’s faith was also reflected in the way he cared for those he loved. Throughout his life, he willingly gave his time, support, and companionship to family members during times of need. He understood that loving someone meant being present—not only during the easy years, but especially during the difficult ones.

The faith Jack cherished was a precious gift passed down through generations of his family. He was proud to be part of that legacy and even prouder to help carry it forward. Jack was the third of five generations of Sperbacks who called St. Lawrence home—a connection that represented far more than simply attending the same church. It represented a faith and a family tradition that had endured across generations.

Of all the gifts Jack gave his family throughout his 94 years, perhaps the greatest was the example of his faith. He taught not only through his words, but through the way he lived—with devotion, service, humor, perseverance, and love.

His greatest legacy is not found in the things he owned or the accomplishments recorded in his lifetime. It is found in the people he loved and in the faith he helped pass from one generation to the next.

Through Jack, that faith continues.

A Life to Remember

Jack lived a full life—one filled with faith, family, service, work, music, laughter, friendship, and love.

He served his church and his country. He was a husband who cherished Carolyn, a father who put his family first, and a man who took great pride in the people he loved.

But perhaps the greatest measure of Jack’s life is the legacy he leaves behind.

His passing leaves a profound absence, but his family and friends can take comfort in the memories he gave them—the stories, the laughter, the music, the conversations, the dancing, the quiet moments holding Carolyn’s hand, and the example of a life lived with purpose.

May he rest in the peace of Christ, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Rest peacefully, Jack. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, and your faith a legacy that will live on through the family you loved so dearly.

What a joyous occasion we know you’ve experienced, seeing your Mom, Dad, siblings, and most of all Jesus… We’re quite sure you’ve heard from our Savior, Well done, good and faithful servant, well done!

Jack would want anyone reading this to remind them that it’s never too late to come back home to the Body Of Christ. Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Teams who cared for Jack in his final days. Your compassion, patience, and gentle presence brought comfort, not only to him, but to all of us that loved him. To Porsche with Cornerstone, as well as Amanda and Crystal, with Guardian Angel Hospice, their care and compassion will always be remembered and appreciated.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 1916 Meharry St, Lafayette, IN 47904. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Lafayette.