Mr.  Jack Sayger, 88, of Rochester, passed away at 06:32 AM, Tuesday, July 25 , 2017 at Life Care Center of Rochester.

Near Athens, in Fulton County, John Wesley "Jack" Sayger  was born on May 20 , 1929.  He was a treasured son of  Hershel and Mary Feece Sayger. He was one of 12 children.  Jack graduated from Rochester High School in 1947.  Following high school, patriotism beckoned and he answered the call serving with the United States Army during the Korean War.  During his stint of service he was stationed in at Ft. Bliss in Texas and was a member of the guided missile division.

On April 5 , 1952  Jack married the love of his life, Elnora Avanell Tyler.  Their vows were recited at First Christian Church, Rochester  with Rev. Grant Blackwood officiating.   They have shared 65 years of life's adventures.  From their union came three wonderful children Barbara, Ronald and Timothy.  Over the years the family tree grew with the added blessings of six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

With a solid work ethic, Jack was a dedicated molder for Sibley's Machine and Foundry of South Bend.  He was a devoted employee for forty years retiring in 1992.   A "Golden Eagle," Jack was a member of the Eagles Fraternal Lodge for more than a half century.  He was also a member of the Schererville American Legion Post for over four decades.

To relax, Jack found peaceful tranquility in his garden.  Each spring the garden was planted.  He found great joy with maintaining, hydrating and cultivating.  Months later his efforts led to a bountiful autumn harvest and an opportunity to can, freeze make jams and soups for winters use by family and special friends.

Proud of the appearance of his  yard, Jack  groomed the lawn and manicured the landscape with meticulous precision.  He owned a unique collection of more than 300 clocks.  Weekends brought on the adventure of garage sales cruising the area with Elnora in search of hidden treasures and bargains of the day.

Left to cherish Jack's memory are his wife Elnora; two sons: Ron A. Sayger and wife Tina, and Tim L. Sayger and wife Linda all of Rochester; son-in-law Mike Briney of Richland Center; six grandchildren: Heather Dawn Briney, Dr. Kara Martindale and husband Dr. Jeff, Katelyn Sayger, Nicholas Sayger and wife Julie, Rebecca Rude and husband Joshua, Laura Calvert and husband Kyle; twelve great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding John in death are his parents; daughter Barbara Ellen Briney; four sisters: Wilodean Collins, Maudie Coleman, Nancy Baker, Laura Jean Lewis; seven Sayger brothers: LeRoy, Otis, Omer, Maurice, Harry, Walter and one brother in infancy.

Chaplain Jason See will officiate services. Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Army Honor's team.

Interment will be in the Athens-Hoover Cemetery.