Jack Noguess Sr.

He was born July 29, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, a son of the late J. Frank and G. Helen (Nyquist) Noguess. He was raised by his mother and step-father Leonard Perttunen with his large and loving crew of siblings in Marquette. Following high school, Jack enlisted in the US Air Force. While stationed in Minot, ND he met the love of his life, Karen Kling.

Upon discharge they returned to Marquette to raise their boys, settling in Skandia while Jack pursued his career as an electrician as his father and brothers. He was a proud journeyman electrician of the IBEW Local 1070/906 retiring after 26 years.

Jack was best known for his love of sports in all forms. A devout fan of Detroit teams, his commitment to the Lions and Tigers in particular started young. While growing up in Marquette, Detroit sports weren’t broadcast on local Wisconsin-owned TV, so Jack found his own solution. He took his AM radio to the top of the tallest hill he could find, making sure he didn’t miss a game.

This dedication continued throughout his life; Jack was a living encyclopedia of college and Detroit athletes and statistics, his wardrobe a relic of team logos through the years, his home a strict Lions Fans Only zone.

As his boys grew up, Jack was the cool dad; he built the home all the kids wanted to hang out at. He was beloved for his devoted support of local kids and athletics. Committed to providing a place for the neighborhood kids to grow and play, Jack built a basketball court near their home on Kunde Road in Skandia. His nephew Danny waited there every single day to play hoops with him. Every winter, he made an ice rink in the yard. When Skandia Township began hosting their own ice rink, Jack rounded up pipes and netting to fashion a hockey net for the kids to play with.

As a father, mentor, and coach, his generous spirit balanced his disciplined demeanor. Do something right or don’t do it at all, Jack preached, whether at work or play. He was an avid softball player himself, most involved with the slow pitch softball leagues in the Little Lake and Marquette area as both a top player and coach. Jack also spent time golfing, fishing, and camping – anything to spend time outside.

A grandmaster of the grill, he instilled passion and skill for cooking in both of his sons. Jack’s culinary creations were made even more special by his green thumb, often using home-grown ingredients right out of the garden. Only his pea soup was controversial; and though it wasn’t appreciated by his kids, you can bet they (begrudgingly) ate it anyway.

Jack and Karen worked hard and lived frugally for years to be able to build their dream home on Little Lake, where they both spent the rest of their lives. True to his spirit, Jack loved hosting his grandkids and others for watersports, barbecues, and catching the Lions or Tigers game on the lake. He made sure anyone who happened upon his home felt welcome and well-fed. Jack insisted he wasn’t leaving this world until the Lions won the Superbowl; we can only assume he did so he could help them take it all the way this year.

His generous nature, smile, “hey there” greeting will be forever missed. The support and life lessons he has provided to his family and friends throughout our lives is immeasurable; we are better because of him.

Jack is survived by his two sons, Jack (Tina Johnson) Noguess Jr of Skandia and Jeff (Erin) Noguess of Sands Township; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dennis (Pat) Goldsworthy of LaPeer, MI, Tim (Lois) Goldsworthy of Florida, Jim Perttunen of Marquette, Jerry (Mary Anne) Perttunen of Detroit, MI, Clare (Greg) Lutgen of Big Bay and Jean Goldsworthy of Spread Eagle, WI; brother-in-law, Gordy Jarvis of Florida; and many special nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karen; brother, Earl; sister, Kathy Jarvis; and sisters-in-law Karen and Barbara Perttunen.

A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 3pm to 5pm at the American Legion in Little Lake, off of M-35 at 1835 Little Lake Rd. Casual attire is what he would expect, possibly sporting a bit of Honolulu Blue. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 349.

Memories of Jack may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.