Jack Jarose

Jack and Mary Jarose of Evanston passed away on June 5, 2014, in a fire at their home. John Walter "Jack" Jarose was born on December 12, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Gertrude (Volin) Jarose. Mary Monica Schremp Jarose was born on July 12, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to Edward and Monica (Lonergan) Schremp. Both grew up in Chicago and were married there on August 25, 1977.  Jack and Mary moved to Evanston along with their son, Victor Reifon, in 1981. Jack worked in the oil field and Mary worked at City Drug for a number of years. In the late 1980's the couple entered the apartment business and became very successful, eventually owning and managing numerous apartments in Evanston. Their hard work and success ultimately allowed them the freedom to pursue their shared passions of traveling extensively, shopping, and gambling - occasionally combining all of these in trips to Las Vegas. Mary particularly loved shopping at Dior in Caesar's Forum. Blessed with a knack for cooking, Mary was renowned for her delicious brownies and spaghetti and meatballs. She loved holidays and throwing parties for the Fourth of July, although Halloween was her favorite and it was well-known that Mary gave out the best candy to trick or treaters. Although a highly recognizable figure in the community, many would be surprised to learn that Mary never had a driver's license until she was 40. She loved to make people laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor, and delighted in spending time with her "bar flies." She loved her pets, especially her dog Rosie. Most of all, Mary adored children and had a gift for making them all her "own," - but more than anything she loved her three grandchildren, Sophia, Chloe, and Olivia Reifon, and her honorary grandchildren, Tanner and Clara Meier. Mary was a strong woman and breast cancer survivor. She was extraordinarily kind and beloved by many. Jack was truly one of a kind. He loved to collect cars and motorcycles, model trains and remote control cars. His father was a firefighter, who lost his life in the line of duty, and Jack spent his lifetime collecting firehouse memorabilia. He possessed a profound sweet tooth and loved candy, especially Pez and Dots. He was a stylish man who enjoyed shopping for clothes and jewelry. His quirky sense of humor, distinctive voice, and manner of speaking were both a blessing and a curse, simultaneouosly making him difficult to understand – the “worst restaurant orderer ever" - and completely unforgettable. In fact, it is almost impossible for anyone who knew him to speak of him without resorting to using their own impression of a "Jack voice."
Throughout their lifetimes in Evanston, Jack and Mary became pillars of their
community. They were both heavily involved with activities at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic
Church and the Lions Club, and Jack was a member of the Elks and the Knights of Columbus.
They loved the people of Evanston and this community, and their giving natures, generosity,
and commitment to helping others were well-known and will not be forgotten. They were
deeply respected and loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew them.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Diane Rafferty. He is survived
by his brother, Kenneth Jarose, and several nieces and nephews, all of Chicago, Illinois. Mary
was preceded in death' by her parents and brothers, Edward "Buddy" Schremp and Michael
Schremp. She is survived by her brothers James "Jimmy" Schremp, Tom Schremp, and Matt
Schremp; and sisters, Carole Kolconay and Colleen Stoneis, all of Chicago. Jack and Mary are
also survived by their son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Rachel Reifon, and grandchildren,
Sophia, Chloe, and Olivia Reifon, all of Evanston.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary
Magdalen Catholic Church, followed by graveside services and a memorial luncheon at Evanston’s Machine Shop.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Jack & Mary Jarose Memorial Fund at First Bank, 1001 Main Street, Evanston, Wyoming.