John Ilgenfritz Obituary

Command Master Chief John E. "Jack" Ilgenfritz, USN (Ret.) GOOSE CREEK - Command Master Chief John E "Jack" Ilgenfritz, USN RET, 71, of Goose Creek passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016 in Charleston, South Carolina. Born in Pittsburgh, PA he was the son of the late Jerome and Anna Ilgenfritz. Jack was married to his High school sweetheart, Karen, for 52 beautiful years. Karen predeceased Jack in April 2016. During his life, Jack spent 25 years in the US Navy Submarine Service serving on USS Albacore (AGSS 569), USS SEA ROBIN (SS407), USS TINOSA (SSN606), USS JAMES MADISON (SSBN627) (GOLD), and USS NATHAN HALE (SSBN623) (BLUE). He served as the Chief of the Boat on the USS Nathan Hale (SSBN623) (BLUE). He also had numerous shore commands. His last assignment was as the Command Master Chief of Submarine Squadron Four at the Charleston Naval Base. Two of Jack's Major accomplishments during his Naval Career was attending Southern Illinois University of Carbondale Ill (Extension Program) and receiving his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education in 1977. Since he had not completed high school prior to joining the U.S. Navy, Jack received his GED and High Equivalency Diploma prior to entering college while on active duty. The second accomplishment was attaining the rank of Command Master Chief. Jack was constantly saying how grateful he was that his beautiful wife Karen was behind all of his life's accomplishments, through her devotion, dedication and love for him and his family. Upon retirement from the US Navy, Jack was employed by the Navy Family Service Center, Charleston until 1992. He then went to work at the US Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston as the Life Skills Instructor until his final retirement in 2007. Jack was also a member of Charleston Base Submarine Veterans. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, helping raise his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was very proud of all of them. Jack had many friends around the country who he kept in contact with after retirement. Jack is survived by his children: daughter, Donna Lynn Taylor of Goose Creek; three sons, David M Ilgenfritz of Kingsland GA, Robert A. "Bobby" Ilgenfritz and wife, Yvonne of North Charleston, John E. Ilgenfritz Jr. and wife, Amy of Goose Creek; his brother, Ronald Ilgenfritz; grandchildren Robby, Kyle, and Zack Ilgenfritz, Jeffrey Taylor, Jenna Shebelski and husband P.J., John E III, Michael, Carey and Cody Ilgenfritz; and great-grand children, Lily, Kynlee, Jackson and Eli Ilgenfritz. Besides his parents and beloved wife, Karen, he was predeceased by his grandson, Jason Michael Taylor; brothers, Jerome and Richard Ilgenfritz and sisters, Dorothy Zawart, Ann Ernst, Elizabeth O'Leary, and Marlene Tracy. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, GOOSE CREEK CHAPEL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Monday, July 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Goose Creek. Burial will follow in Whispering Pines Memorial gardens, Moncks Corner (Strawberry). Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted to www.mcalister-smith.com Arrangements entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 869 ST. JAMES AVENUE, GOOSE CREEK, SC 29445. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston