OBITUARY: Captain Jack Vechart

Captain Jack Vechart (59) answered his “last call” on Tuesday, August 13. 2019.

He was born Brian Gerard on October 7, 1957, to the late John and Doris Vechart of Brillion. Jack went to heaven to be with the Vechart clan on a perfect day on beautiful Lake Oconee in Georgia. On his last day Jack had it his way, captioning his beloved pontoon boat, Yuengling beer in the holder a cigarette in his hand, cruising with his wife, Tammy (Schwanke) of 38 years and granddaughter, Hadly (Johnson 9 months) on what was to be his last pontoon ride.

Jack’s career took him to Georgia in 1982 where he went to school to become a paramedic/firefighter for Dekalb County. Over his 30 year career he rose to the rank of captain. Well respected by his peers and superiors for his Midwest work ethic and always on Lombardi time. Jack earned the prestigious award of “person of the year” for Dekalb County in 2004, selected from over 1000+ paramedics and firefighters, humble he rarely spoke of this honor.

His later career took him to Newton County, Ga. where he was still “Captain Jack.” At Med Core he was lead paramedic on large job sites like Amazon and Google. Most recently, Bulldog Medical Clinic where he was in charge of clinic operation and lead paramedic. Jack was passionate about his work and loved being a paramedic/firefighter often commenting he could have not chosen a more fulfilling career.

Jack was an athlete in high school, a musician, a wall paper guy, husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Jack touched many lives and is beloved by his many friends and family and work families. A bright light in this world, Jack will be missed dearly and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived by his wife, Tammy (Schwanke); son, Justin and Karen of Athens, Ga.; daughter, Courtney and Jeff Johnson of Eatonton, Ga. He is also blessed with three grandchildren: Kyle 12, Catelynn 9 and Hadley 9 mo.; a sister, Lezlie Greene of Chaska, Minn.; nephews: John and Luke Berg.; a brother, Allan and Mary Phillips of Iowa; nieces: Amanda, Ashley and Ariana; father-in-law, Donald Schwanke Sr., formerly of Brillion; brothers-in-law: Brian Schwanke, Randy and Mary Schwanke; nieces: Brianna and Stephanie (Ryan), and Don and Mary Kay Schwanke; nephews: Dr. Aaron, Ryan and Collin, Milwaukee area; and lifelong friend, Dean Parkin of Appleton.

Please join us for a celebration of Jack’s life on Saturday, October 19, from 1-4 p.m. at Deer Run Golf Course in Brillion.