Jack Vliet

Jack Vliet passed away on December 29, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. Jack was born on August 4, 1948 in Princeton, New Jersey. He spent his early years living in New Jersey and Massachusetts and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He later followed his brothers to Washington State and took up the profession of teaching. In addition to teaching middle and high school math for 23 years, Jack was a patient teacher of many life skills. He taught his children how to garden, ice and trout fish, make a good jump shot, throw a softball and talked them through many car and home repairs. Most importantly as Jack battled melanoma the last three years, he taught them how to live with hope in their hearts and to recognize the blessings that surround them.

Jack is survived by his wife of 35 years, Denise Plakmeyer and their three children: Kasey (Denice Gravenstijn) Vliet of Ann Arbor, Kevin (Amy) Vliet of East Lansing and Kristine Vliet of Ann Arbor. His grandson, Kingston shares Grandpa Jack's head of curly hair and has brought great joy to his life the last two years. Jack is also survived by his mother, Blanche Vliet and brothers Doug (Laurie Martin) Vliet, Jeff (Linda) Vliet and Don Vliet; his in-laws Wayne (Jeannie Schumann) Plakmeyer. Ken (Jan) Plakmeyer, Diane (Al) Zoet and Phil (Laurie) Plakmeyer as well as special friends Joe and Kim Clark. In addition there are many other wonderful relatives and friends that have blessed his life and supported him through his illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin and brother Norman.

The family would like to recognize Dr. Christopher Lao and the staff at the University of Michigan Cancer Center and Hospital for their commitment to battling melanoma as well as their ability to show compassion when the journey changed directions.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Mancelona United Methodist Church on Monday, January 5 at 11am. The family would like to greet friends and family from 2 to 6 pm on Sunday, January 4 at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Jack's memory be made to AIM at Melanoma www.aimatmelanoma.org or the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy www.gtrlc.org

Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.