Obituary of Jack Clarence Crane

Jack C. Crane (84) lifetime St. Maries resident, died at his home September 5, 2014 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 18, 1930 in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho to William and Florence Crane. Jack attended Lincoln and Heyburn grade schools and then went to work at the age of 13 for the railroad. When he was 14 and 15 years old, he spent the summers bailing hay. Jack, his Dad, and brother Bill ran their own horse logging company hauling for Carney Pole from 1949-1951. In 1951, Jack joined the Army and was discharged in March of 1953. Before entering the service, he met Leslie M. Malloroy and they were engaged in October of 1952. They married June 12, 1953 at the Catholic church in St. Maries, Idaho. When he and Leslie were first married, Jack worked for Clarence and Walt Mueller Logging. In the summer of 1962, Jack went to work for Jack Dittman and remained there until Mr. Dittman retired. He worked as a sawyer and truck driver, but mostly ran the loader. Jack went to work for Potlatch Corporation on September 1, 1970. After 50 years of hard work, Jack retired on May 28, 1993. Even though Jack was officially retired, he didn't stop working. He was the groundskeeper for Head Start since the day they were established and took great pride in keeping things in tip top condition. Jack and Bill did yard work for people through their 70's. He helped Leslie pack her wonderful food to all of the various functions and people she cooked for. In their retirement, Jack and Leslie liked traveling. Some of their favorite places included the Oregon Coast and Canada. When they weren't traveling, Jack drove his regular route around town checking on loved ones. Jack was a devoted family man and loved spending time with his six kids and grandkids. He helped raise several family members and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He gave great advice and took delight in teasing young and old alike. Jack liked building things and creating yard ornaments. He was President of the Senior Citizens for many years and enjoyed spending time with his friends there. He loved the outdoors especially getting wood with his boys and taking brother Bill for coffee with their buddies at Harvest Foods. He was a member of the Senior Meal site, the Eagles Lodge, and was on the Parish Council at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. Jack is survived by his wife Leslie, sons and daughters in-law Kelly and Marie Crane, Dan and Shelly Crane, Joe Crane and Jenn Horton, daughters and sons in-law Judy and Ron Zook, Nancy and Floyd Turner, and daughter Caren Crane all of St. Maries. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Maria Chambers, Jack Crane, Cody Crane, Joele Hodgson, Brent Hodgson, Tim Turner, Travis Turner, Marissa Turner, Caitlin Eggleston, Donovan Eggleston, Rafferty Eggleston, Matthew Modrell, Jennifer Fuller and Willie Crane. He is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents William and Florence Crane, grandsons Patrick Turner and Sean Eggleston, and brother-in-law Greg Cory. A Catholic Mass is planned for September 9, 2014 at 6:00 pm at the St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. A Funeral Service is planned for September 10, 2014 at 11:00 am at the St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. A gathering of friends and family will follow the funeral service at the St. Maries Eagles Lodge. The family suggests memorials to Hospice of North Idaho 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 Please visit his memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Jack Crane's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.