Nunc dimittis: John "Jack" Sievert

John "Jack" Sievert

John “Jack” Sievert, 94, of Summerville, South Carolina, died July 24. He was born June 13, 1930, in Lake City, Iowa. After graduation from high school, he attended Drake University, Des Moines, obtaining a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Following this he served a two-year term in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He then attended Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, earning a Master of Music degree.

Sievert joined the staff of the Reuter Organ Company, Lawrence, Kansas, where he remained for over 17 years, advancing to vice-president of that firm. In the early years he installed new Reuter pipe organs and maintained existing Reuter instruments around the United States. He made an appearance in the 1962 film Carnival of Souls in a scene filmed at the Reuter shop. In his later years with Reuter he served as sales manager.

In 1962 he married Marlene Glass, having met through a mutual friend while attending an American Guild of Organists meeting. They had two children, Steven and Susan, while living in Kansas.

In 1973 the family moved to Dalton, Ohio, where Jack joined the Schantz Organ Company of Orrville, Ohio, where he remained for 35 years until his retirement in 2008, having been vice-president of design and marketing. A charter member of the American Institute of Organbuilders, Sievert also served on its board of directors as well as president of the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America. Sievert was a church organist for a number of Lutheran congregations during his lifetime. A long-time member and organist at St. John Lutheran Church, Massillon, Ohio, he also spent time as president of the congregation.

As an avid antique and classic automobile buff, Jack served as president as well as other board positions in the Canton, Ohio, chapter of the Antique Auto Club of America. He was the owner of a 1923 Model T Ford, passed down through generations of Sieverts, as well as a 19641⁄2 Mustang purchased from the showroom floor.

The Sieverts relocated to Summerville, South Carolina, in 2018 to enjoy their retirement years. Jack Sievert is survived by his wife Marlene (Glass) Sievert; son Steven Sievert of Massillon, Ohio; daughter Susan Messersmith of North Charleston, South Carolina; son-in-law Charles Messersmith of Ladson, South Carolina; and grandson Andrew Messersmith.

A memorial service was held July 29 at Grace Lutheran Church, Summerville. Inurnment will follow at a later date at the Grace Church columbarium.