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 </figure>Jack Mersch, son of Jim and Fern (Allen) Mersch, passed away February 
11, 2020, one day after his 78th birthday. Jack was born in 1942 in 
rural Edmond, Kansas, the youngest in a family of five. Growing up, Jack
 acquired a strong work ethic from his parents who struggled as farmers 
and ranchers living on the Gudgell Ranch homestead during the depression
 years. Hard work was the rule of life for this and all families during 
this time period. But Fern and Jim knew that work and play mixed well as
 they raised their family. We remember fondly the stories of his 
childhood that Jack loved to share about his many relatives and friends 
who centered their lives around Jim and Fern. Their hospitality and 
kindness were the very foundation of Jack’s personality throughout his 
life. Jack recalled how his mother welcomed all to their table, no 
matter how limited their resources were. She always took care of 
everyone who arrived invited or not. Jack learned from her that helping 
people and taking care of family were what life was about.
After high school Jack attended Fort Hays State University, 
graduating in 1965 with a degree in Botany and Agriculture. The sudden 
death of his father led Jack back home to Edmond where he took over the 
farm operation and the care of his mother. In 1966 Jack met and married 
Sherry Williams. He became a father to Todd and Dennis. Later he moved 
his family to Hill City where he purchased the local tavern from Ben 
Dreiling. In 1972 he began his new career as the owner and operator of 
Jack’s Lounge which later became the J Bar S. Jack’s personality suited 
his business perfectly. He had a dream and worked diligently to become a
 success. At six feet three inches, with bright red hair, humorous wit 
and country boy charm, he was a character who was so likeable that once 
you liked him, you loved him. He attracted customers to the bar, 
customers who became his best friends – his “family”. Jack hustled 
behind the bar with a speed and determination that no glass was ever 
going to be left empty. He served up drinks along with his stories and 
friendship. If you came in as a stranger to him, you left as a new 
friend. The passing years saw many different bartenders who worked for 
Jack, including both of his sons.
After his divorce from Sherry in 1987, Jack continued to run the 
bar, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012. By this time Jack had 
become the proud grandfather of Faith and Claire, the daughters of 
Dennis and Tammy. In 2014 health issues forced Jack to retire, and he 
sold the bar to his son Todd and wife Sandy. 
Through the years Jack was involved in many activities and 
organizations. He was an active member in the local Elks Lodge and 
Chamber of Commerce as well as being a volunteer county fireman. Jack 
had a vital part in forming what is now known as Graham County 
Sportsman’s Trap Club. He 
attended many carp derbies in Norton before he founded his own 
annual carp derby now known as the Jack Mersch Outlaw Rod and Reel 
Fishing Tournament which is usually held at Webster State Lake. In 
1982 Jack became the founding father and chairman of our local Ducks 
Unlimited Chapter. Along with his committee members, Jack led this 
organization as it became more successful each year with its annual 
November banquet. He remained actively involved until 2013.
Jack was a man with many interests and hobbies. His knowledge of 
botany was evident in all his gardening, beautiful flower beds and 
planting trees. He grew up with coon dogs and loved the sport of hunting
 and shooting guns, a fondness he passed on to his sons. Throughout the 
years, his interest in animals inspired him to raise all kinds of birds,
 rabbits, fish and dogs. The more exotic the breed of chicken, the more 
excited he was about incubating the eggs and producing more to sell or 
trade at the Sunday bird sales.
Above all else, fishing was Jack’s favorite of all his outdoor 
activities. His home away from home was Webster Lake where he camped 
with his family and friends. He enjoyed shooting pool and was an avid KU
 basketball fan. Retirement also found him sometimes lying on the couch 
with a stack of Louis L’Amour books. He loved old western movies, John 
Wayne movies being his favorite. Family life was so important to him. 
Keeping alive his family’s history was a top priority. Through the years
 he hosted many family reunions where he shared so many stories of 
aunts, uncles and cousins, times of the past – his heritage.
Perhaps the biggest joy in Jack’s life was being a grandfather. He 
was always thrilled to be with his granddaughters, spoiling them with 
his love. He was certainly a great grandfather and bragged about them to
 everyone. As Jack’s health further declined, he moved into Dawson Place
 Nursing Home, living out his final days. 
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Don and Bruce 
Lloyd, and sister Jeanice. Survivors include his two sons Todd and wife 
Sandy, Dennis and wife Tammy, and granddaughters Faith and Claire, all 
of Hill City, and a sister Marge Wilson of Wyoming. Jack was a true 
legend in our community, although he remained humble to the end. He will
 be forever remembered and sorely missed by all.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Jack-Mersch?obId=11042052#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.