Jack Roodzant, native son of Oak Harbor, passed away Dec. 3, 2007, in Everett. He was born in Oak Harbor on July 4, 1933 to Henry and Marie Roodzant, the second of seven children. He was known as Mr. Roodzant the math teacher. He was a quiet but strong man with a deep sense of integrity and personal faith. Jack loved woodworking, gardening, traveling and served actively in his church.
He was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. Jack attended Oak Harbor Christian School and Oak Harbor High School, graduating in 1953 after helping out for two years on the family farm. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1957, married Janann in 1959 and later graduated from Western Washington College in 1962. He began teaching mathematics in southern California, and returned to teach in Oak Harbor in 1968, retiring in 1993.
Jack is survived by his wife, Janann (Young) Roodzant, his son, Brad Roodzant, his daughter, Lea Del Prete of Oak Harbor, his grandchildren, John Del Prete III of Bellingham, Nick Del Prete of Oklahoma City, Emily Del Prete of Oak Harbor, sister Mary Ann James (Ron), of Fallbrook, Calif., Eleanore Olsen (Bill) of Oak Harbor, Melody Jones and sister-in- law Lona Roodzant of Oak Harbor, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marie Roodzant, sister Maisie Mercer and her husband Don, and his brothers, Bob Roodzant and Bill Roodzant.
Memorial services for Jack Roodzant will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. with Rev. David Lura officiating. Cremation was held with family committal to follow at Fircrest Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Memorials can be made to United Methodist Memorial Fund or The Gideon Bible Society. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.