Jack Webster Obituary

Jack Webster passed away in his home on May 22, 2010 after his brave struggle with cancer. He was born in Los Angeles, California on August 21, 1929 to Samuel S. Webster and Blanche Taggart Webster. Jack grew up in Pasadena, California where he first learned to love the water. Sailing from the California coast became a passion. He entered the University of Utah in Salt Lake, Utah under the NROTC program and graduated with a degree in Metallurgy Science. The US Navy became his home for the following three years where he served as a commissioned officer from 1952-1955. During this time he was in the Western Pacific Zone and participated in amphibious landings in North Korea. After his discharge from the Navy he joined Alcoa in 1955, first in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and then transferred to Cleveland, Ohio. Jack worked in a variety of managerial positions progressing to the position of Plant Manager and Works Manager of the Chicago Die Casting operation in Hillside, IL. He was responsible for the operating, as well as the sales functions. While living in Cleveland Jack earned his MBA from Western REserve University which is now Case Western Reserve. In 1956 Jack met his future wife, Judy at a church skiing weekend south of Pittsburgh and they were married in Shaker Heights, Ohio on April 13, 1957. They moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio and their three children were born while living there. He enjoyed good friends in Chagrin Falls, many activities with the Jaycees and weekly crewing for owners of Lightning and Thistle sailboats on Lake Erie. Alcoa transferred Jack to the Chicago Works in Hillside in 1963. Glen Ellyn has been their home ever since. In 1960 Jack founded his company Webster-Hoff Corporation where he had remained as Chairman of The Board until the present time. The company is located in Glendale Heights, employs 50-60 employees and sells its powered metal products all over the United States, France and Germany. Jack greatly valued the friendships he made during his working years. During his life in Glen Ellyn he contributed to many civic and charitable organizations: School Board Caucus chairman district 41, Recreation Committee member, President of the Family Service Board of Directors, Chairman of Chicago Powdered Metal Association, Glen Ellyn Library board member, Chairman of the Workers Compensation Trust of IL, Distinguished Service Award recipient from the Metal Powder Industries Federation, President of Mended Hearts of DuPage, Board of Directors of Glen Ellyn Kiwanis and Chairman of Kiwanis Foundation, Deacon and Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn. Member and President of Glen Ellyn Library Foundation and long time volunteer at the DuPage Hospital for the Mended Hearts organization. For many years Jack enjoyed sailing, canoeing, fishing, biking, tennis and golf with his friends and family. He spent years and years of happy times with friends and family on Captiva Island, Florida. Jack is survived by his loving wife Judy; son Scott (Debbie) Webster of Syracuse, NY, son Bryan (Barbara), of Downers Grove, IL. daughter Anne (Rich) Kramer of Glen Ellyn, IL; beloved grandchildren Bryce and his wife Cait Webster, Jordan Webster, Emma, Cora and Anna Webster and Alex and Katie Kramer. A visitation will be held at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane St., Glen Ellyn, IL on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 4 to 7pm. A Memorial Service will held at the First Presbyterian Church at Anthony and Main Streets in Glen Ellyn, IL on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 1:30pm. Funeral arrangements handled by Leonard Memorial Home, (630) 469-0032.