Jack Haut

John F. “Jack” Haut, 72, of Davenport left his earthly body and soared to the Heavens on Saturday, February 24, 2024 surrounded by family in the comforts of his home.

A time to gather and celebrate Jack’s life will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Leap day, an unusual day to celebrate a guy who considered himself just a regular mortal.  Jack wanted the Chicago Bears to be his pallbearers, but they were busy letting all their other fans down so he opted for cremation rites. He’ll be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport.

John Fredrick Haut was born on a cold snowy day on January 22, 1952 in Davenport, the third child of what would become a family of eleven children born to Marian W. (Schmidt) and Fred Haut, Jr.  He was educated at St. Paul’s Grade School and Assumption High School, class of 1970 where he would have excelled in athletics and scholastic endeavors but was held back by his lack of athleticism, size, and priorities.  Jack sought rock stardom as the bass player in a band called the Purple Turtles, laying down riffs and grooves to please the ladies.   

Jack bought a brand-new blue Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback, his pride and joy.  This beast never saw a speck of dirt.  It was his first love, but he sold it to buy an engagement ring for his true love and partner, Deborah Ann Jones.  They were married on October 15, 1971 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Davenport. 

Jack retired as an assembler at Kone, formerly Montgomery “Monkey” Escalator after 30 years in 2017.  He survived that long career on his main dietary staple of white cake and Kool-Aid. On his way to rock stardom, “Jumping Jack” worked his way up from such jobs as gas jockey, grease monkey, and fixer of all things for anyone and everyone who asked but did this at his own “granny gear” speed.

Those left to honor Jack’s memory are his wife, Deb, Davenport, children: Heath (Robin) Haut, Vincent, Alabama, Melissa “Missie” (Jason) Belliveau, Davenport, Scott Haut, Davenport, and Amanda “Mandy” (Kevin) Henkle; grandchildren: Drew, Samuel, Hayden, and Kyler, and Gavin (Mimeyana); a great-granddaughter, Penelope Henkle; siblings: Sandra (Harry) Koehler, Meridian, Idaho, Dennis Haut, Davenport, Jim (Sue) Haut, Bettendorf, Karen (Rich) Harris, Bettendorf, Michael (Gloria) Haut, Davenport, Anthony (Linda) Haut, Davenport, Gary (Mary) Haut, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Fred Haut III, Davenport; and many nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Ron and Shelley Haut.  May they rest in peace.