John L. “Jack” Reynertson, age 77, of Bloomingdale, IL, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003. Loving husband of Patricia (Weber) for 55 years. He is survived by his wife and children, Raymond and his wife Ann, Gloria and her husband Mark (Krecl), Donald and his wife Katherine, Mariann and her husband Jim (Johnston), John Jr. and his wife Amy, and Ronald. Jack and Pat are the grandparents of 14 wonderful children Jessica and Kyle, Nathan and Kevin Krecl, Katherine and Patrick, Sean and Libby (wife), Brennan, Brian, Colleen and Cara Johnston, Ian, Jack, and Scott. He is also survived by his brother Stan and his sister Ardele Bryntesen. Jack grew up on the north side of Chicago where he graduated from Lane Tech HS prior to enlisting in the U.S. army where he served as staff sergeant in the 102nd Infantry stationed in the Pacific Theater during WW II. He received a BS in Marketing from Drake University in 1949. After graduation he had considerable success in retailing, leaving the industry in 1969 as National Merchandise Department Manager for Montgomery Wards to join Dresser Industries, a diversified manufacturing conglomerate now part of Halliburton. He then successfully held a number of positions with Dresser Industries including President of the Hand Tool Division, President of the Operations Division of the Tool Group, President of the Abrasives Division and Vice President of the Tool Group. In 1984, Mr. Reynertson became Chairman of the Board of Ryeson Corporation, a manufacturer of torque measurement equipment, a position he held until his death. Jack was an influential industry leader, donating his time and expertise to several organizations including serving as President of the Industrial Supply Manufacturers Association, President of the Management Association of Illinois, President of the Presidents Association, Chairman of all Safety and Standards Activity for the Hand Tool Institute, Director of the Grinding Wheel Institute and Director of the Furniture Club of America. Jack was an avid sailor and was initiated into the “Island Goat Sailing Society” for having completed 25 Chicago to Mackinac racing regattas. His boat Cetacean, with a crew made up of his children and close friends, saw continued success through the years. Visitation Monday, 3 to 9 p.m. at Salerno’s Sons Funeral Home, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle, IL 60172-3545. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Saint Isidores Roman Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Covenant House, 346 W. 17th St, New York, NY 10011-5020 or on line at covenanthouse.org Attn: Memorial Donation for John L. Reynertson.
