Jackie Dale “Jack” Dorrell, 81, husband, father, and avid sports fan died peacefully at his home in Bendena, Kansas, December 19, 2017.

He was born February 27, 1936 to Russell and Hazel Dorrell on a farm near Highland, Kansas.

Jack attended various county schools with his mother as his teacher. He graduated from Highland High School where he was a charter member of the FFA and enjoyed participating in football, basketball and track where he developed a love of sports that would continue throughout his lifetime. Upon graduation he attended Highland Community College before joining the Navy in 1955. Jack served his country for four years spending time on the USS Hancock and the USS Philippine Sea.

Jack and Rosalie Ramseier were married on November 29, 1958 and enjoyed 59 years together, first making their home in San Diego, California. Upon completion of his service, they moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Jack began honing his skills at a milling company. A transfer took him and Rosalie to Kansas City where they made their home in Gladstone, Missouri. While in Kansas City he worked for various contractors continuing to learn the building trade. Wanting to return to the area, in 1967 the family moved to a farm near Severance where he farmed for several years. However, the building trade had made a strong impact, and in 1974 he started Jack Dorrell Construction building many houses in the Doniphan County area. It wasn’t uncommon for many to refer to their home as the House that Jack built. Later Jack would return to working in Kansas City making the daily trek from their home in Bendena from 1984 until his retirement in 2010.

Jack loved his grand children and was so proud of them. He eagerly attended all their activities whether athletic, musical, or theatrical. Most nights he could be seen cheering on the Mustangs, Blue Jays, or Wildcats. Later as his children attend K-State, he became a die-hard fan enjoying tailgating and attending games. It was always a family affair.

Jack was a member of Highland Masonic Lodge #1 and a 4-H leader for 46 years. During that time he made many lifelong friends at the livestock shows and traveled with his children and grandchildren across the nation hauling cattle to the Jr. Hereford Nationals. He loved an adventure and in 2004 purchased Poppin’ J kettle corn.

Jack is survived by his wife, Rosalie, sons Gregory (Robin), Buckley, WA; Gary (Karen), Highland; daughters Jacqueline (Jeff) Coleman, Atchison; Jennifer (Taylor) Gatz, Sabetha; grandchildren Allie Barger, Megan Dorrell, Ashely Wann, Sarah Roney, Daija Coleman, Katelyn and Allen Dorrell, Jordan, Lauren, and McKenna Gatz, and six great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Jack’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at the Highland Methodist-Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating. Masonic committal services will be a courtesy of Smithton Lodge #1, AF&AM, of Highland. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery, with military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Friday, where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Doniphan County 4H Program or Denton United Methodist Church, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com