Jack A. Postlewaite

Jack Anton Postlewaite, 89, lived an active, thoughtful, happy life until the moment he died on December 18, 2025. Although he died of heart failure, his heart never failed in his love for and commitment to his family, friends, clients, and the Eau Claire community he was so proud to call home. 

Jack was born on September 11, 1936, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the third of six children born to Russell P. and Helen (Karpen) Postlewaite. Despite being only 8 when his dad died and 15 when his mom died, Jack thrived in his Midway District neighborhood, where playmates, a public library, the YMCA, and St. Mark's Catholic school provided a stable and supportive community. Jack graduated from St. Paul Central High School in 1954 and was forever grateful to his senior year English teacher, who, sensing Jack’s lack of parental direction, not only urged him to pursue a college education but proactively prepared and submitted his application to the University of Minnesota. At age 18, after one semester at the U of M, Jack joined the army and was selected for the 10th Division Honor Guard. He graduated with honors from the 10th Division NCO Academy and was stationed in Germany with the 10th Infantry Division. In September of 1957, following his discharge from the army, with financial help from the GI bill, Jack returned to the University of Minnesota, where he graduated in 1961 and later earned a JD degree from what is now the Mitchell-Hamline School of Law in 1966. Jack was proud of his military service, which served as a source of lifelong friendships and a love of travel, and in October of 2025, he was thrilled to be named Veteran of the Game at the University of Wisconsin Badgers homecoming football game, where he was introduced and celebrated along with his 3 grandsons, who are currently attending the University. 

In 1960, Jack met Lois Barta while they were both student volunteers in the card-stunt section that performed at the University of Minnesota football games. Free admission and seating on the 40-yard line were Jack’s incentives. Lois took the responsibility quite seriously but was nonetheless charmed by the fun-loving veteran’s affable inability to follow orders in civilian life. The couple was married on February 3, 1962, and shared a nearly 64-year marriage marked by abiding friendship, mutual respect, and unconditional love. Jack and Lois welcomed four children and ten grandchildren into the family that has served as the bedrock of their lives. As a loving father to Rich, Jill, Al, and Jenny, Jack modeled resilience, hard work, lifelong learning, and civic duty. Yearly summer vacations with the Postlewaite/Markert/Sands families in Northern Minnesota were especially treasured times where the simple pleasures of lake life created long-lasting memories shared among generations..

Jack’s signature blue eyes took on an extra sparkle as he fell in love over and over again with the arrival of each of his grandchildren: JT, Satch, Luke, Sophie, John, Andrew, Henry, Ben, Oli, and VV. Spending quality time with each of them and attending their school and sporting events were priorities, and he never failed to express his profound gratitude for the opportunity to be part of their daily lives.

For a proud St. Paulite, Jack took to Eau Claire like a native. He and Lois made their home here in 1966 so that Jack could take a teaching position at the UWEC School of Business. A year later, Jack began his legal career at the Ramsdell, King, Carroll, and Barland law firm and established a law practice specializing in Business Law and Estate Planning. Throughout his 45-year career, Jack’s knowledge and practical application of the law combined with his compassion and sense of humor endeared him to his loyal clients. He will be remembered as a well-respected colleague, mentor to new attorneys, and community-focused professional.

Jack believed strongly in civic responsibility and, together with Lois, contributed countless time and talent to local non-profits. The Eau Claire Community Foundation, YMCA of the Chippewa Valley, Greater Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, and Eau Claire Police and Fire Commission were some of the many community organizations that benefited from his leadership and philanthropy. 

Jack and Lois traveled the world together and shared this love of travel with their family and friends. This consummate lover of learning and life was always game for a new adventure, and Oktoberfest, “Tabernacles and Taverns” tours, Puerto Vallarta sunsets, and trips with other couples peppered his stories and filled his scrapbooks. Jack’s friends, especially his fellow travelers, were important to him, and their loyalty and companionship were never forgotten. Later in life, if the weather was agreeable, you could find Jack in his driveway sharing stories with family and friends, enjoying a glass of wine and a cigar. His memory will forever serve as a shining example of a life well-lived.

Survivors include his wife, best friend and pal Lois; children Richard (Julie) Postlewaite, Jill Postlewaite, Alan Postlewaite and Jennifer (Joseph) Fesenmaier all of Eau Claire; grandchildren Jack, Lucas, and Satchal Postlewaite, Sophia Paz, Olivia Zavaleta, and Andrew, Henry, Benjamin and Veronica Fesenmaier; brother Jeffrey (Evalyn) Postlewaite of Menlo Park, California, sisters-in-law Patricia Postlewaite of Owatonna, Minnesota, and Dorothy (Ronald) Riutta of Hancock, Michigan, many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and step grand and great grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Richard and Florence (Regnier) Barta, sisters and brothers-in-law Judith (David) Markert, Joan (Homer) Smith, and Janet (John) Sands,  brother James, and grandson John Matthew Fesenmaier.

Jack was profoundly grateful to Dr. Daniel Kincaid and Lisa O’Neil, C.N.P. at the Mayo Clinic Health System for keeping him on his feet longer than he ever expected.

A funeral mass will take place at 11 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Newman Catholic Parish, 110 Garfield Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Father Dan Oudenhoven officiating.  Visitation will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Hulke Family Funeral Home from 4-6 pm and at the church Saturday morning, January 17, 2026 from 10 am until the time of service. 

Memorials may be made in Jack’s name to the Eau Claire Community Foundation, 7 S. Dewey St. Suite 200 Eau Claire, WI 54701 http://eccfwi.org or The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley, Attn Suzie Slota, 700 Graham Ave, Eau Claire, WI. 54701 http://ymca-cv.org  

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.