Jack Walter Neiger

Jack Walter Neiger, 74 of New Philadelphia, passed away at Amberwood Manor on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 following a period of declining health.

Born in New Philadelphia on January 8, 1939, he was the son of the late Edward W. and Clara (Sherrets) Neiger.

After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1956, Jack married his high school sweetheart in 1958, and again in 2006.

At the age of 9, Jack went to work at Collins Market in New Philadelphia. After turning 17, he began his professional career at Empire Reeves Steel where he retired from in 1993. There, he was in charge of shipping and later, worked as the supervisor of fabrication. His final position with the company before retirement was overseeing the research and development of the highway barriers in California, Texas, Boston, and Colorado.

After retiring from Reeves, Jack worked in manufacturing in Orrville where he was in charge of gas stoves.

Jack loved life and had numerous hobbies. Collecting antiques and baseball cards and making Christmas candy for family and friends were a few hobbies. Others included going on cruises and long bus trips throughout the United States, mushroom and deer hunting, watching old western movies with John Wayne, and going to festivals. Jack raised race horses, pheasants, and Brittany Spaniel dogs.

Additionally, he was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fan.

Jack’s pride and joy were his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan at their basketball games and soccer matches. “Coach Neiger” also spent many years coaching Dover Little League.

Jack’s faith was nurtured at First Moravian Church in Dover where he was a devoted member, front door greeter, and enjoyed making Moravian coffee cakes. He was also a member of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center.

Jack will be deeply missed by his wife, Sue of New Philadelphia; his children, Jack (Winifred) Neiger of North Carolina, Jeffrey (Heather) Neiger of Coshocton, Jan (Lisa) Neiger of Worthington, and Beth (Matt) Dennison of New Philadelphia; and his grandchildren, Kitrina Neiger of Florida, Brittany Neiger of Coshocton, Luke Neiger of Worthington, and Abigail and Hannah Dennison of New Philadelphia.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by 9 siblings.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. A service celebrating Jack’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with The Rev. John Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery.

Friends are invited to the First Moravian Church, 319 N. Walnut, Dover Ohio 44622, where Jack’s church family will host a luncheon following the committal service.

Memorial contributions in Jack’s memory may be directed to either the church or Community Hospice House, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.