My husband Bob Alberts and I were with Jack and Katie on their first date. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship, the kind that we rarely find. Jack was one of the finest men I've ever known, a loving and generous father, a faithful husband, a born comedian, a brilliant metallurgist, and a successful and principled businessman. As a dad, he had five kids of his own, whom he cherished and was openly proud of; then he took on Katie's six, and was exactly the same with them. He met them, by the way, the morning after that first date, when he woke up on Katie's sofa - where she had directed him when she felt he shouldn't be driving - to find a row of little faces staring at him and asking who he was. I think he fell in love with them immediately, as he did with Katie, because in no time he was urging marriage. Jack and Katie were a hospitality team in their own home. From friends and neighbors, to business associates, to the entire Munster High School wrestling team AND their parents, Jack and Katie welcomed them all, to a feast of her fabulous Italian cooking accompanied by his lively and definitely non-PC banter, and washed down with generous libations, of a type appropriate to your age, of course. The stories about Jack are endless, and mostly true. He did, at least once, convince a tableful of business associates he was dining with, to fly - right now! - to Las Vegas, for a few hours of casino fun. On him. Yes, he did. Katie was, as always, bemused and slightly amused. "Oh, Jack!", she would say... shaking her head. After Bob's untimely death, Jack became an even more thoughtful friend. He knew several of us who were widowed young, and he would invite us to dinner with Katie and him, and offered an ear for us to talk to about cars and money and business matters. He watched over our children, too. My daughters love him for the understanding and the light touch he showed during their tough times, like not having their dad there to walk them down the aisle. Having Jack there, their dad's good friend, consoled them. Personally, although I am a banker by training, and a skeptic from hard experience, I would have trusted Jack with my life (And occasionally did, when he was driving.) Or with my bank book, or the keys to my castle. I know his integrity was crystal clear, solid as the steel he spent his life helping to make. My world is diminished by the loss of this dear friend, and I offer my most heartfelt condolences to Katie and the entire family.

Jack was one of the funniest people I've ever known! He was also one of the most generous, most loyal, and most loving person to his entire family and friends. He was so proud of ALL of his kids. I'll always cherish the time I spent at the Schwer home in Munster. Always great laughs, great food, and best of all was the great people. Jack will be greatly missed but his legacy lives on through his kids and the people he touched. Rest in Peace, heaven is a happier place today since Jack arrived. Keep em laughing Jack!

Always in my ❤️ Love you so much and will miss you

Jack was a second dad for me. He had the most generous heart of anyone I have ever known. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to love him. Rest In Peace ❤️ Gone, but never forgotten. Love you, Jess

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.