John C. “Jack” Ufkes, 83, of Carthage, passed away at 12:18 AM Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Jack was born October 24, 1937, in Keokuk, Iowa the son of Henry J. and Alpha F. (Faulkner) Ufkes.  He attended Carthage High School graduating in 1955.  He then attended Carthage College from 1955-1956 before entering the United States Marine Corps.  While stationed at Camp Pendleton he was in charge of taking care of the decorated Korean War Horse Sgt Reckless.  He served as a Corporal receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1958.  On September 4, 1960, he was united in marriage to Beverley E. Cochran at the United Church of Christ Church in Sutter.  Jack was a life-long farmer and an auctioneer for 54 years retiring in 2016.  He was a member of the Illinois and National Auctioneer’s Association, and his auctions were always a show.  His love of farming showed through his actions serving as a founder and first president of the Beef Association of Hancock County, Cattleman of the Year, and awarded Family Farm of the Year.  He also served on the Illinois Board of Directors with the Illinois Polled Hereford Association.  He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage where he served on the church council, having served as president for several terms.  Jack had many interests including getting his pilot’s license and flying and owning classic cars.  His properties were pristine, and he could always be found mowing and painting fences.  He loved traveling to visit grandchildren and great grandchildren and going to their sporting events.  In 2018 he enjoyed a trip on the Great River Honor Flight with his daughter, Traci, serving as his guardian.

Jack is survived by his wife, Beverley, of Carthage; four children, Brent (Angie) Ufkes of Carthage, Brad (Anne) Ufkes of Carthage, Traci (Ronnie) Johnson of Blandinsville and Tonya (Eric) Boyer of Carthage; grandchildren, Ashley (Dillon) Darbyshire, Austin (Gera) Ufkes, Addison Ufkes, Tyler (Kristy) Ufkes, Cody Ufkes and Brittany (William) Ufkes, Haeli (Jake) Lerdal, Skyler (Jacob) Howd and Ethan Johnson and Braxton and Bailey Boyer; ten great grandchildren and one on the way.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, August 9, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage with burial to follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery near Basco with military rites rendered by the United States Marine Corps and Hancock County Honor Guard.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. Sunday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with family meeting friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.  Memorials may be directed to the Illini West FFA, Friends of 4-H Livestock Auction or Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.