John “Jack” William Law, 85, devoted husband, father, papa, and great papa passed away peacefully surrounded by family January 22, 2025.

Jack was born in Chicago, IL on November 13, 1939. Charismatic, adventurous, fun-loving, and selfless, he was a man who loved life, his family, and friendships. But more than anything, he loved his beautiful bride of 61 years, Carol Ann. On April 27, 1963 they were married at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Chicago. They soon welcomed their first two children, Bob and Lisa. Their many adventures brought them to New Jersey for a promotion on the East Coast where they continued to build their family by adding two more children, Laura and John. A desire to be business owners brought them back to the midwest where they bought Chit Chat Resort in Edgewater, WI.

Two years later in 1972, Jack and Carol continued on their entrepreneurial journey to Chetek, WI first owning B&B Bar and then Chetek Lanes. During their 25 years owning Chetek Lanes, Jack and Carol created two iconic Chetek staples: Wisconsin’s largest 9-PinTap Tournament and Chetek Lane's famous pizza recipe. Jack truly was a Jack of all trades, never afraid to tackle any project. His passions included creating family heirlooms in his woodshop, many fishing excursions from catching Halibut in Alaska to Piranhas in Brazil, keeping up with the latest technology, cheering for the Chicago Bears through thick and thin, and dance moves that could put a smile on anyone's face. He also loved movies and always said he could never be a movie critic because he loved them all.

The biggest joy he shared with his wife and family was traveling, from primitive camping to exploring six out of the seven continents and everywhere in between. Their love of family and traveling led Jack and Carol to a new passion, hosting ten exchange students over the span of ten years, extending their family across the globe with Carol, Daniella, Iris, Denise, Carol, Claudia, Beate, Brian, Agusto, and Dany.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Robert Law and Lois Johnston, brother Robert Law, two aunts, Gene Parks and Zenobia Byron, great-granddaughter Alice Romportl, and great-nephew Jeremy Law.

Jack is survived by his wife Carol (née Poch); his four children - Bob Law of Las Vegas, Lisa Hedtke of Rice Lake, Laura (Terry) Schissel of Rice Lake, John (Michelle) Law of Chetek; twelve grandchildren - Ashley Law, Lauren (Patrick) Finnegan, Aly (Peter) Aerts, Brandon Law, Brianna (Niles IV) Owen, Jessica (Malachi) Romportl, Kelsey (Patrick) Papiernik, Collin Law, Stephanie Schissel, Erica Law, Krista (fiance Alex) Law, and Jack (fiance Halli) Hedtke; thirteen great-grandchildren - Adley, Russell, Joseph, Brylee, Michael, Kendall, Louise, Mary, Niles V, George and three babies in 2025; sister in-law Arlene (John) Venetis and three nephews Scott (Angie and Matthew) Law, Tom Venetis and Mike Venetis.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to friends Dee and Jerry Chlopek, Home Sweet Home staff and caregivers Sue, Ashleigh, Kim and Brandon, DaVita Dialysis Clinic, Rice Lake EMT and Marshfield Medical Center staff for their great care of our beloved father.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, Father Isaiah Schick officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the church. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at Chetek Lanes and Event Center on April 26th, 2025 at 4pm.

Last Update: Jan 24, 2025 1:19 pm CST