Jack L. Reckling, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at age 92 on Sunday, July 21, 2024. He lived in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
He was born on October 30, 1931 in Centralia, Illinois to Lora Beatrice (Brown) and George Dewey Reckling, Sr. He was an Air Force Veteran, earned the highest honor of Fourth Degree Sir Knight of the Knights of Columbus (serving for 61 years), and volunteered at the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Jack married Dorothy Louise Menne on June 1, 1957. They remained married for 67 years until his passing. Jack and Dorothy raised two daughters, Kathryn Reckling Burns and Kimberly Ann Penado. Jack was a gifted salesman of academic supplies his entire career, as he always valued higher education. Jack was an avid reader, a seeker of knowledge, and as his eyes began failing, he continued with audio learning. In their empty-nest years, Jack and Dorothy traveled the world, played golf, had many friends, living a wonderful life together.
Jack loved all sports, especially golf, baseball, football, basketball and any and every playoff game. He and Dorothy lived in the Chicago suburbs where they raised their girls, and Jack religiously took his girls each summer to a Chicago Cubs baseball game. In 2016, he was overjoyed when he watched his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series. In his later years when Jack lived in Independent and Assisted Living, he continued to enjoy his love of music. In 2020, Jack learned to play the guitar, and he serenaded his beloved Dorothy with Let Me Call You Sweetheart, per her request, and You Are My Sunshine. Jack made friends wherever he went, and everyone appreciated his sharp mind and many stories, often calling him a true gentleman.
He spent time with his girls as they grew up riding horses, and Jack even had his own kind and gentle quarter horse, Pokey, who he loved dearly. In addition, Jack shared a love of dogs with his girls. The family Golden Retriever, Bear, and the Cavalier King Charles, Watson, were very dear to Jack’s heart.
Predeceased by his parents, his step-father, his sister and his two brothers, Jack’s memory is honored and kept by his loving wife Dorothy, his daughters, whom he called his “angels”, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Per Jack’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
