Petsche Leaves a Legacy of Generosity in Black Hawk County
June 6, 2022
John (Jack) Petsche had a plan to make his community a better place. When Jack passed away on May 11, 2020, he had already ensured his generosity would live on through a $1.6 million dollar gift to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
“Jack was always quick to share a story, especially about his marriage to Fran. His love extended to his community, which is evident through his incredible generosity,” said Kaye Englin, CFNEIA president and CEO. “The Community Foundation is honored to carry out his legacy, which allows us to have an even greater impact in Black Hawk County.”
The gift, directed to the John and Frances Petsche Fund created in 2010, will support CFNEIA’s Black Hawk County discretionary grant process. This gift will generate approximately $65,000 every year for grantmaking to nonprofits serving Black Hawk County.
Jack and Fran lived in Waterloo, where Jack worked at Rath Smoke House for 33 years, and Fran retired after 40 years with Illinois Central Gulf Railroads. The couple enjoyed fishing, gardening, canning, and spending time at their cabin on the Cedar River. Fran passed away in 2009.
During his lifetime, Jack donated over $100,000 to the John and Frances Petsche Fund, enabling him to see and enjoy the impact of his generosity. As an endowed fund with CFNEIA, it will give back to the community in perpetuity.
“We are incredibly grateful to have known Jack and for his passion for giving back to the community he loved. His generous spirit will have a great impact on our community forever,” said Kaye.
Learn how you can leave a legacy for your community at cfneia.org/legacy.
