Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

“Papa” Jack Van Pelt, age 68, of Forsyth

May 13, 1953 – August 8, 2021

Jack Van Pelt (“Papa Jack”), 68, of Forsyth, MT passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Jack was born on May 13, 1953, to Charles Van Pelt and Marjorie Van Pelt in Clarkston, Washington. Jack graduated from Asotin High School in 1972. In 1973 he enlisted in the Army National Guard in Washington. He transferred to Montana in 1975 where he began working for Combustion Engineering in Colstrip. On January 3, 1977 he married the love of his life, Sandra Jakobi.  Later, he began his career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe and retired after 38 years of service.

Jack adored spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting and baseball. He coached baseball for nearly 18 years, coaching multiple teams in the same season. His sportsmanship, mentorship, and influential impact for those in his company landed him the title of “Papa Jack.” His passion for his family was best demonstrated by taking his children/grandchildren to the shooting range, teaching them gun safety and attending their sporting events.  He loved to travel to watch his grandkids wrestle or cheer, often driving hours to show his unwavering support.  His presence was always with us; even when he was sitting in the car and waiting patiently for everyone to get finished.

He was preceded in death by his son Jason, his fathers’ Charles Van Pelt and Bob Wilson, his mother Marjorie Lynch Wilson and stepmother Gene Van Pelt. He is survived by his wife, Sandi Jakobi Van Pelt and four sons: Mike (Tab), Casey (Windy), Shane (Catherine), and Jeremy (Peggy). Four siblings survive: Terry (Maria), Judy (Steve), Belinda, and Rob (Tracie), Additionally, survived are his eleven grandchildren: Wyatt, Jase, Hayden, Payten, Simeon, Ava, Christina, Shane Jr, Jonathan, Tyler, and Taylor. A brother-in-law: Dennis Kenney, sister-in-law: Chyrel McKee (Bruce), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday August 14th at 2:00 pm at the Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

2:00 PM

Saturday August 14, 2021

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

Forsyth, Montana 59327

View map

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

2:00 PM

Saturday August 14, 2021

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

Forsyth, Montana 59327

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. I’m so sorry for your loss. Jack was a great man. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be missed.

  2. Sorry for your loss. Jack was special to me and I was glad to work for/with him.
    Roy Roesler

  4. Wow papa jack was a big influence on lots of people’s lives sorry sandy and the boys be proud of him he made a big impact on baseball kids lives

  5. Sandy & family…we are so sorry for your loss. My son played baseball for Jack and loved every minute of it. Jack was a tremendous coach and so generous with his time for so many years. He will be truly missed. Take care.

  6. Sandy and family I am without words from shock. I always really liked Jack he was a great person. Hearts and prayers for your family.

  7. Sandy and family –
    I’m stunned to read this. I never really knew Jack until we spent that afternoon working on the fence at Barb’s. All that fills my heart this evening is the joy he must feel at the wondrous reunion with Jason. My prayers are with all of you. This sudden goodbye is never easy. Take time to grieve, but always return to the memories. That’s where the healing begins.

  8. Sandy and family,
    We are shocked to hear the news of Jack’s passing. He was a good man and a great baseball coach and mentor for many kids over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

  10. Sandy and Family,
    I was so saddened to hear of Jack’s sudden passing yesterday. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. He would always give me a friendly smile and wave whenever passing in our vehicles. He will be greatly missed by all of the family and community.

  11. Sandy and Family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you face the passing of your loved one. We are never fully ready to lose those we love! Hold tight to the memories and words of love from others.

  12. Sandy and son’s What a shock,!!! we are so sad to hear of his passing, he is now with his wonderful family on the other side, I will miss those big bear hugs from him.. Our prayers go to you and your sons, Jack will be missed by so many of his friends.

  13. Sandy and family.
    Glen and I were shocked to hear about Jack. He was such a kind and generous man. When I moved to Forsyth he made me feel so welcome. I always loved talking with him at the tool house. Our prayers and many hugs are with you all. We will be back for the funeral, hope to speak with you then.

  14. This is terrible news. Jack was a great man who would truly give you the shirt off his back. I am proud to have known him and to have worked with him. The world needs more Jack Van Pelts.

  15. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Jack was a good friend and a great coach to all the young men that played base ball on his team. For my son it was an honor. It went far and beyond just being a coach he care about everyone of these young men and stayed in touch with many of them. (my son was one). Give Jason a big hug from us and may your many memories live forever in our hearts.

  16. So very sorry for your loss. David worked with Jack for many years. I pray that you all will receive healing and strength for all the people that knew Jack. Prayers and blessing to you all.

  17. Sandy and family
    Prayers for strength at this difficult time. Condolences to you all.

    Mary and Pedro

  18. Van Pelt Family- my heart aches for all of you. He was truly one of a kind and one of the most genuine souls I ever had the pleasure of meeting. May you all be surrounded with comfort and hugs.

  19. Sandy and all the family our thoughts and tears are with each of you. Those years chasing baseball were so much fun. The fact that Jack gave Jackie the opportunity to play baseball with the boys helped build her competitive nature and Kevin was a better athlete because of Papa Jack. Love from our family to yours.

  20. So sorry for your loss Sandy and family, Jack will be missed, another railroad brother gone too soon, rest in peace big man

  21. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time. I worked with Jack and it was he who encouraged me to get my CDL license. Pedro

  22. Our thoughts and prayer are with you and the family,Jack was a great ,gentle and thoughtful man.Jack will be missed by all.Our Condolences To the Van Pelt family.

  23. Brian and I are so sorry for your loss. What a kind man. Brian always enjoyed visiting with him at family reunions. Sending you our love and care. Brian and Sharon

  26. Sandi and family, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jacks passing. He was so adored by all those baseball players and so many others. He will be remembered for years to come as being the jovial, loyal, accepting, and kind man he was. His memory will live on in the memories he provided for so many. Our hearts are with you all.

  27. So sorry to read about Jack . He was such a teddy bear and loved by so many. We have lost a great friend..R.I.P Jack🥰

  28. Sandy, boys and families- I’m so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. So many fond memories of his joyful voice and kind smile. Much love to you all.

  29. Sandy and family, we are all so sad about Jack. I hope he knew how much he meant to all those baseball boys he coached. He was so good to Casey and all of the kids. He will be missed. Love and hugs to you. Jeanne, Bruce, and family ❤️

  30. Sandy and family,
    we are so sorry to hear of Jacks passing. he was a great man and will be remembered fondly. Prayers of comfort during this sad time.
    Bobbi, Thomas, Ashlee & Paden

  31. Every time I’ve walked on to a kid’s baseball field in the past 10 years, I’ve thought of Jack. His personality, his dedication, his big booming voice, Jay’s Eagles, All-Stars, all of it. Now that I’m on the other side, I understand that we can’t really thank you for all of your time, effort, and love. Thank you for sharing him with so many of us. We’ll always remember.

  32. I worked with jack a lot of years on the RR he was a fine man, my sympathy go out to Sandy and the family

  33. PAPPA Jack great man and selfless loving friend. So many memories together with our children..baseball ,kids going to school together along with activities. Hanging out during games, picnics in the park. He was apart of our family as is his family. So very sorry for your loss. My love and prayers are with you. May God bring you peace during this difficult time.
    Loving friend
    Maggie Nickisch Shannon

  34. Dear Sandy & family,
    So very sorry for your loss. Jack was such a good man and one of the very nicest people to chat with. He served our community families and was loved by many. Jack will be missed and thought of by many of our youth for a life time. God bless you in your sorrow and we will keep you in our prayers! Bill and Joby

  35. Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a no nonsense coach that had earned the respect of kids and parents on the baseball field. 🙏🙏 prayers to the family from ours. Rob Stephens

  36. Sandy and family,
    I am so sorry for your sudden loss of Jack, he was a wonderful person. I worked with him many years on the railroad. He was always concerned about the well-being of his railroad brothers and sisters. RIP Brother Jack.

  38. Sandy and Family, we were so saddened to hear of the passing of Jackie.. He was a truly lovely person. We are going to miss his big hugs and his friendly smiles. ❤️
    Please know that you and your family are in our prayers

    Boyd & Rozella Wood.

  39. From one vet to another once a soldier always a soldier jack you will never be forgotten you will always be loved. I salute you. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

  40. Sandi and family,

    We’re all so sorry for your loss. Jackie was a sweet and kind man that made everyone laugh. He had that Van Pelt charm. Our thoughts and prayers and with you!

    Love,
    Nancy, Ricky and Bobby Van Pelt
    Boyd and Rozella Wood
    Jay, Mindy, Ayden and Brody Zinn

  41. Sandy I was surprised and shocked to hear of Jack’s passing. Please accept my condolences .

  42. Sandy and family,

    I am very sorry for your loss. Jack was always so kind and friendly. And such a good bowler! Prayers for you and your family.

  43. I’m so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers..

  44. Sad to hear the news. So sorry for your loss. The memory of him will live on and on!

  45. So very sorry to learn of Jack’s passing. He was a wonderful man, with an amazing gift to help anyone in need. He touched many lives with his kindness and caring.

  46. So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. My heartfelt sorrow to the family. Jack was a great guy. Remember some interesting RR experiences with him.

  47. My Condolences to the family. I worked with Jack . Enjoyed those times. My payers to you at this time.

  48. Jack was my cousin and from the day he was born it has been an adventure. Even though he moved away and married a wonderful lady there has always been love. You will greatly be missed my love.

  49. Sandy and family: I’m so sorry for this terrible situation…I will always hold many memories of spending many days growing up with you all when you lived next to my grandparents! I love you all my and PLEASE let me know if you need anything!

  50. Papa Jack was a special kinda man…he was a very caring man and he always knew how to make u smile and feel good about yourself…he will be missed!!! prayers to the family..

  51. Sandi and family,
    We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Jack. He was a kind and loving man. We met Jack over 30 years ago through baseball. Our hearts are breaking with you.
    Love, Hugs and Prayers!
    Doug & Debbie Skiles

  52. I’m so sorry to hear that Jack has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  54. Sandi, So sorry to hear of Papa Jack’s passing. Such wonderful memories of our times together at Riverside Park. He will be truly missed. Lots of hugs and prayers being sent your way. RIP. Papa Jack

  55. Jackie is my cousin by birth, but so much more than that in life. I hadn’t seen him in person for more than 50 years, but that’s nothing, because we have a spiritual connection that spans eternity. I love him and he me! We are soul-y connected. I believe that’s true for all of us in the Lynch family. It sound over the top and flourish-y. But it’s a truth, at least for me, my sister, Kelley Spain, and Jackie! Sandi and family, please take good care, as I know Jackie will be missed. Know that you are not alone, and reach out if you need anything. Love you.
    Mike Mills

  56. So sorry for the loss of Papa Jack. Iam heartbreaker. He was a fantastic man to all. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and friends. Hugs

  57. Sandy
    Larry and I are sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. We adored pap Jack . Such a great patient and giving man to so many people
    May God hold you and give you strength during this difficult time.
    He will truly be missed by many

  59. Sandy and family sorry to hear about Jack .He sure was a nice caring man.My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of need.love Lynnette Watson

  60. Sandi and family,
    I was heartbroken to hear that Papa Jack passed away. He always had a big smile and hug for everyone and just lit up the room. He was a great coach and a wonderful person.. He was a true Santa and had a heart as big as the whole outdoors.. He will be very much missed.. Hugs nd Prayers…

    Sharon and Duane

  61. I am so sorry to hear this Sandy. Papa Jack was definitely one of the greatest and nicest people around he will be missed very much. Hugs and lots of love sent to you from our family.

  62. Sandi and Family,
    We are so sorry for your loss! May God give you peace during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family!🙏

  63. Jack did a lot for the town of Forsyth for baseball and lots of kids/adults have great memories of him. I never played for him (I grew up in Colstrip) but played a lot against him while I was growing up. He was a good coach and guy. Rest In Peace

  64. Everyone who was lucky enough to know Jack share in your sorrow and loss. He was a big man with an even bigger heart! We were honored to know him. He left a legacy of love in his family!

  65. Sandi and family wow what great man we all got to know over the years we worked together he was always there for you he had your back love you jack rip

  66. Sandy I was shocked to hear of Jack’s passing I am out of town and will be unable to attend the funeral but will be praying for your family.

  67. Be not sad he died – be glad he lived!
    Jack was a wonderful man and a great role model for many of the local kids. Even though he is gone every memory we all have of him, he will never be too far from our hearts.

  69. So very sorry to hear that Jack has passed, if there is anything that we can do to ease your pain, do not hesitate to let us know. I cannot imagine what you and your family are going thru.Thoughts and prayers my dear.

  70. Sandy, Casey, Mike and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. I remember all those countless hours Jack would spend at the baseball park getting that diamond ready for our boys, hauling gravel and sand, makeing a drain field, coaching……and so much more. Jack always had a special way with our kids. We will miss that smile and wave.
    Bobbee and Brent

  71. Sandy and Family,
    I am so sad to hear of Jack’s passing. He was such a kind, gentle man with a heart of gold. I know he made such a huge, positive impact on everyone who knew him. May all of your happy memories and the grace of Maheo guide you and sustain you throughout this difficult time. Hugs and prayers going out to you all. Fly high Papa Jack!

  72. We have many fond memories of Jack from fishingthe Yellowstone to working for BNSFRR welding dept. Prayers to you and your family. Cherish your memories, they last forever!

  73. Sandi, I am so saddened to hear of your loss of Jack. My heart hurts for you as I know what a difference this will make in yours and your boys’ lives. My God grant you peace and comfort in the days to follow. Vicki Yerger Little

  74. Sandy and family,
    We are far behind in adding our sympathy and thoughts as you all miss Jack. We loved Cathy B’s comment about his reunion with Jason. You are all in our prayers for comfort and healing. We didn’t know Jack well — but just reading others’ comments lets us know that he touched many lives, a sign of a life well-lived.
    With our friendship,
    Doug & Cherie Heser

  75. Jackie I miss you so much you helped me through some of the hardest and safest times of my life. I didn’t think I was ever going to get out of the depression I was in after losing my son and great granddaughter so close together. And all the others that died within an 8 month period of my son but you helped me through it. I still can’t believe you’re gone we talked every day and texted all the time you were more worried about me than yourself. My grandkids and great grandkids especially my great granddaughters wished they had a grandfather like you and they loved you.
    I know exactly how your family feels right now losing you is like losing part of your heart ❤️ I love you give my son and great granddaughter my mom and dad a big hug for me😢YOU will always be my guardian Angel.

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