Jack Ryerse Jack Ryerse, 90, of St. Ignace, was a World War II veteran who later enjoyed a career as a businessman in St. Ignace and a bank manager on Mackinac Island. He was a strong promoter of local youth sports. Mr. Ryerse died Friday, August 28, 2009, at Cedarbrook Senior Living in Mackinaw City after an 18-month illness.

He was born December 11, 1918, in St. Ignace to Frank and Lovina (nee Martin) Ryerse.

Mr. Ryerse was graduated from LaSalle High School in 1936. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1941 and the United States Naval Reserves in 1943. He was a Navy officer on the USS Lamar, an APA47 attack transport ship during World War II.

Mr. Ryerse returned to St. Ignace in 1944. He worked for Alpine Construction with owner Mario Calcaterra. He also worked for Alvin Goudreau at Stroh’s Distribution Company. He purchased Ryerse Sales with his brother, Charles, in the 1950s. He sold the business in 1979 to Bob Griffin and Dick Templeton; it is now Griffin Beverage.

Mr. Ryerse went to work at First National Bank on Mackinac Island right away. He was the manager for 26 years until 2005, when he stepped down at the age of 86. He was a member of the board of directors at First National until March 8, 2008.

He was a member of the American Legion and a member of Lakeside Cemetery board for many years.

An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Ryerse was a referee for high school sports and college football for 42 years. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Michigan Wolverines, and especially the St. Ignace Saints. He attended every Saints game he could until his health prohibited it in late 2007.

Mr. Ryerse was dedicated to youth sports in St. Ignace for most of his life. He worked behind the scenes to make sure there was equipment, or facilities, for all forms of recreation for young people in the community. Mr. Ryerse is survived by three children and their families, Paul and Barbara Ryerse of St. Ignace, Robert and Anne Ryerse of Westminister, South Carolina, and Jackie and Jack Laver of St. Ignace; his former wife, Mary Jane Ryerse; 14 grandchildren and their families, David and Debra Ryerse, Barry and Brooke Ryerse, Jon Ryerse, Tim Ryerse, Ashley Ryerse, Mary Ryerse, Rob and Christy Ryerse, Lynne and Jeff Stiebe, Lisa and Scott Winkelman, Jodi and Erik Lawrence, Holly and Glenn Tugman, Lindsey and Chad Fender, Laurie Riegel, and Jack Riegel, and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many friends in St. Ignace and on Mackinac Island.

Mr. Ryerse was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Fred Ryerse, and a sister, Margaret Hagen.

Services will be Saturday, September 12, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in St. Ignace with the Reverend Jim Balfour officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Ignace or Mackinac Island athletic programs.

Dodson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.