Jackie “Jack” M. Leggett, age 83, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. Jack was born in Tomahawk on Oct. 28, 1938 as the youngest of eleven children, to the late Worlen and Lyda May (Wilcox) Leggett. He was married to Judith Hildebrand on June 18, 1960; she preceded him in death in 2021.
Jack was a lifelong resident of Tomahawk. Growing up, the strong work ethic he had throughout his whole life could be seen as young as six years old, when he began to take every odd job he could find, such as unloading coal, chopping wood, working in a salvage yard, delivering newspapers, shoveling sidewalks, and mowing lawns – just to name a few. After graduating from Tomahawk High School in 1958, he proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1961. When he returned from his military service, he opened and operated Jackie’s Mobil. He then worked at the Tomahawk Boat Factory before beginning employment at Packaging Corporation of America, where he retired in 2002 after more than 30 years of service. Jack was proud of his community and volunteered his time with the Boy Scouts, Hockey Maintenance Crew, Tomahawk Food Pantry, St. Mary’s Thrift Cellar, and the Historical Center. His many service contributions were officially recognized and he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce. Unofficially, however, Jack spent his life trying to help others through his generosity, compassion, and selfless acts for those in need.
Jack was an avid hunter and outdoorsmen who loved to be in the woods. As a member of the Newwood Hunting Club for more than 30 years, Jack built lifelong friendships with the other members while teaching his sons the simple joys of walking in the woods, logging the land, the meaning of fellowship, and where they could find the “big bucks.” When he wasn’t in the woods, Jack loved golf, bowling, and playing dartball, and he was an avid Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers fan. Jack was a longtime Eucharistic Minister and parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jack’s family meant the world to him, and with Judy at his side, he enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in all of their many endeavors in sports and school.
Survivors include his sons, Joseph Leggett, of Tomahawk, and Josh (Karla) Leggett, of Oshkosh, Wis.; his grandchildren, Justin (Becky), Jordan (Sara), Jack, and Miranda; and his great-grandchildren, Julius, Morgan Jay, and Jace; his brother, Neal Leggett, of Tomahawk; his brother-in-law, Thomas Hildebrand; and his sister-in-law, Roberta Meyer. A special thank you is extended to his dear friends, Curt and Chris Foster, for their care, compassion, and friendship throughout the years.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Worlen and Lyda May; his wife of over 61 years, Judy; his sons, Jerod and Jay; and his siblings, Etta, Donald, Dorothy, Florence, Ramona, Donna, Billy, Dean, and Alice.
Memorial services for Jackie Leggett will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 12 p.m., at Generations Funeral Home. Rev. Larry Mathein will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 12 p.m. Interment will follow with military honors at the Calvary Cemetery.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Jack’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.