Jack Pettit

Jack Pettit was called home to be with his lord on the morning of Wednesday, November 4th, 2026. He passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by the love of his family and the constant loving care of the guardian angels at Mount View Care Center.

Those who knew and loved him would describe him as respectful, kind, humble, honorable, gentlemanly, and a true patriot to his country and his fellow servicemen and women. His mere presence while always humble still seemed to demand respect. He spoke with a southern drawl even though he was born and raised in Washington, Pennsylvania, probably because he spent so many years of his military career in the South. He answered to Dad, Grandpa, and everyone’s favorite, Papa Chief.

Jack was a Vietnam veteran who served in the United States Air Force for a total of 30 years. He started out his Air Force career as a cook, but cross-trained early on to be a Loadmaster on his favorite airplane, the C-130. One of his many proud moments during his military career was when he escorted President Ronald Reagan to China in 1984. He retired from the Air Force in 1988 as a Chief Master Sergeant and then was hired by Lockheed Martin to run a flight crew training facility on the very base he spent seven and a half years of his military career, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan. He served as a government contractor in that role until his second retirement came in 2006, from which he moved to Wisconsin to be with family.

Not too long after moving to Wisconsin, Jack became an active part of the local VFW Burns Post 388, allowing him to reconnect with his fellow veterans in service of the Wausau Community. The VFW Burns Post 388 was where he formed lifelong friendships, gained brothers and sisters of whom he said he made unforgettable memories with that would live with him forever to include the Never Forgotten Honor Flight on October 15th, 2018.

Jack was a man destined to leave a mark on this world and that he did. He said on a daily basis how proud he was of his entire family and they are equally proud of him. He forever holds dear in his heart two daughters and two sons-in-law, two sons and two daughters-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren (which includes one due in April).

Jack is survived by his daughter Tracie and son-in-law Travis Wills, granddaughter Jacklien and granddaughter Helaina; his son Sean and daughter-in-law Rebecca Pettit, grandson Tristan, granddaughter Ashley, grandson Brandon, great-grandson Makaio, granddaughter Adrienne, and great-granddaughter Loretta; his son Troy and daughter-in-law Enkyong Pettit, grandson Jonathan (Amilyn), grandson Justin, granddaughter Sohmin, and granddaughter Sohyoung; his daughter Lindsey and son-in-law Joey White, grandson Chris (Amy), great-granddaughter Madeline, great-granddaughter Cora, grandson Nick (Casey), and great-grandson Griffin.

Until we meet again, Dad, Papa Chief, you will forever be in our hearts.

A memorial service honoring Jack's life will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau, Wisconsin, on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Eric Hauan officiating. Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at church. Military Honors will follow the service. 

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.