Jack Shrauger was born on Feb. 24, 1926, in Livingston, Mont. to Lloyd and Elton Shrauger. He had an older brother Lloyd Jr. and a younger brother C.E. Shrauger, affectionately known as Toad, who both preceded him in death. Jack lost his father at a very young age, and his mother, Elton, a nurse, raised her three boys with the help of her extended families.
As a child, Jack spent time in the Montana towns of Livingston, Three Forks, White Hall and Pony. Jack and his family eventually moved to Colville, Wash. where Elton worked at the local hospital. His family remained in Colville where Jack attended both junior high and high school. After returning from Navy service in the Pacific during World War II, Jack attended a Grange dance where he met his future wife Phyllis Dubois. They both attended Eastern Washington State College. In the fall of 1949, they married in Colville.
They moved to Hoquiam, Wash. where they both taught school. Jack taught at Washington Grade School, and he eventually became principal when his mentor and former principal Art Bargwell retired. Jack liked to help young teachers as Mr. Bargwell had helped him. Mike Root remembered Jack helping him become a better teacher, offering advice and support. Jack cared a great deal about his school, his faculty and his students. After a school day, he would mow the lawns, and at the old Washington School, he would help the janitor polish the old wooden hallways. He sold ice cream bars during lunch and he coached several sports teams. He was committed in every way to Washington Grade School.
Jack became curriculum director at the district office for a few years and then he retired. He then started Jack’s Gardens and turned his passion about all things that grow into a business. He ultimately returned to the Hoquiam School District as a groundskeeper as well.
Jack was a curious man with a variety of interests: gardening, history of all kinds, hiking the Olympics, Bible studies, cider making; his family referred to him as the renaissance man. Jack passed away on April 9, 2018, with his family at his side.
He is survived by his son Mike Shrauger, his daughter Lynn Shrauger, five grandchildren, Ivy Dacones, Timbre Shrauger, Jacki Shrauger, Meghan Doughty, Zach Doughty and four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Ryder, Olive and Finn. As a child of the Depression and a young serviceman from World War II, Jack, as many from his generation, knew hard times. But, with an incredible work ethic and jobs, that in his words, he enjoyed going to every day, he had a positive impact on many people’s lives. He became the patriarch of a family that loved him deeply. We will miss his generous spirit, his wit and his wisdom.
Jack has requested that there be no service, however, remembrances in his name may be made to the Hoquiam Food Bank or Grizzly Alumni Association.
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
