Rev. Dr. Jack F. Reents

Early on, Jack graduated from high school in Adams, Nebraska; and later, Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa (Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology); Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa (Bachelor of Divinity); Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota (Doctor of Ministry); and additionally, studied at Hazelton Chemical Dependency in Hazelton, Minnesota to be a Certified Chaplain.

Jack excelled in sports…playing baseball, basketball, football, and golf. In his final year at Wartburg College, he was co-captain of the football team that won the Conference Championship! Jack always enjoyed watching sports on TV and was an avid reader of books and magazines.

Jack and Shirley Campbell were married on December 20, 1959 at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, and children: John (Amy), Kathleen Wallmow (Rollo), Paul, Mark, and Timothy. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, as well as sister, Jacqueline Littleford, and 2 nieces, Ruth and Beth.

Jack was preceded in death by both of his parents, Rev. John H. and Mildred Reents, and his brother-in-law, Phillip Littleford, and nephew, Mark Littleford. He was also preceded in death by Shirley’s parents, Max and Althea Campbell, and sister-in-law, Janet.

Jack was an Eagle Scout in a Cornhusker Council; an officer in Luther League; a volunteer firefighter in Harvey, Louisiana; and part of the National Association for Alcoholism Counselors, among the many organizations he was affiliated with over a lifetime.

Between Jack’s junior and senior year at Wartburg College, he volunteered to serve on a Foreign Mission Builder team of 6 American Luther Leaguers for 2 years in Papua New Guinea. Upon completing college and seminary, Jack returned to Papua New Guinea, serving in a variety of roles as a Missionary for 16 more years. When he returned to the USA, Jack served as a Chaplain for the F. Edward Herbert Hospital Chemical Dependency Unit (a Naval Hospital) in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jack was called to Global Mission positions in the American Lutheran Church (ALC) and Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). He served as Area Program Director responsible for India, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar and Bangladesh. Jack later became the Director of the Lutheran Mission Volunteer Program, as well as Associate Director of International Personnel.

Retirement led Jack and Shirley to a move to Florida. In retirement, Jack served as an interim pastor of 6 different congregations. Over the course of 6 years, Jack served as Chair of the Florida-Bahamas Synod Global Mission Committee with emphasis on the Companion Synod program with Jamaica, Cuba, Suriname, Guyana, and Haiti.

Retirement meant time with our families and wonderful cruises around God’s glorious world. Abundant blessings followed Jack. Mission work was in his heart and soul.

Service Information: A Celebration of Life for Rev. Dr. Jack F. Reents will be held on October 24, 2023 at 2:00pm at Joy Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7045 SW 83rd Place, Ocala, Florida 34476

Donations in Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made out to the following: Joy Evangelical Lutheran Church Building Fund