Jack Broome, 74

Funeral services for John “Jack” Broome will be held March 21 at 10 a.m. at the Gregory Auditorium with Fr. Jonathan Dillon officiating.

Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Burke.John “Jack” Robert Broome, affectionately known by many as “Oar” was born Feb. 13, 1946 to Walter and Marie (McMullen) and passed away at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls surrounded by his loving family on March 11, 2020 at the age of 74.

Jack attended Burke School.  He was active in football, basketball, and track, graduating in 1964 with many awards for his athletic abilities. 

Jack met the love of his life Marcia Seeley when he was a freshman in high school, and they continued to date throughout their school years. 

Upon graduating from Burke High School, Jack went on to the University of South Dakota and played football for the Coyotes while getting his BA in history education. 

During fall camp 1965, his coaches let him go home and get married.  Jack graduated from USD with his BA and continued his education during the years following to complete a master’s in educational administration and later his superintendent endorsement. 

Jack accepted his first teaching and coaching position at Burke School in 1969 and continued until 1976. 

He then accepted a teaching/coaching position at West Sioux School in Hawarden, Iowa from 1976-1979.  Jack then accepted a principal position at Anthon/Oto School in Anthon, Iowa from 1979-1981.

In 1981, his dream to come back home came true with him accepting a superintendent position at Burke School until 2006.  He then accepted a joint superintendent position for both Burke and Bonesteel schools.

This position lasted until July of 2009, when he retired.

In his retirement, he filled in as superintendent for Ethan & Platte school districts. 

While still teaching, Jack began his weekly article “From the North End”.  Every week Jack wrote of the many things he loved such as Gregory County history or things happening in Burke, his family, or his “school children’s” accolades.

He loved his “school children” like his own, in fact, when one of them lost their father followed by his mother suffering a stroke, Jack didn’t blink an eye and offered Wylie a new home (and a Dad) for his senior year of high school.

Everyone that met Jack became a lifelong friend who would forever be received with a smile, a slap on the back, or one of his famous bear hugs.

Following retirement Jack loved spending time with Marcia, fishing and creating memories every summer at their cabin in the Black Hills.  Jack and Marcia have three sons Pat, Wade, and Ryan; and Jack loved spending time with his boys.

They loved to fish, hunt, and go on Notre Dame football trips together.  Jack was so proud of all three of them.  In later years, he also loved spending time with his three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jack also truly loved spending his spare time with his close fishing and hunting buddies.

Jack was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  In addition, Jack served on many boards throughout the State as well as serving many local community organizations.

Jack truly loved his hometown and would never hesitate to step up and offer his time to assist wherever needed.  He was a true historian when it came to South Dakota and especially loved the history of Gregory County.

Our lives have forever been changed by Jack’s love and contributions to his family, friends, and communities.

Jack is survived by his wife Marcia of 54 years; his sons: Pat (Tanya), Wade (Wendy), and Ryan; his grandchildren: Lindsey, John (Kelsey), and Jay; his great-grandchildren: Michael, Jaxson, and Lincoln; his sister Mary Ann (Terry) Klug; his brothers: Joe (Sharon) and Jim; his brothers-in-law: Greg (Mary Lynn) Seeley and David (Deb) Horst and his sister-in-law Mary Jane Green.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marie.  Stepfather Howard Frey, sisters Kathy & Theresa, sister-in-law Linda, brothers-in-law Tom and Gene.

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