John J. Flesch

John James “Jack” Flesch, 88, (Col., USAR, Ret’d) passed into eternal life peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on July 30, 2018. He was born in 1929 to John Jacob and Beatrice Gastrich Flesch. Jack Flesch exemplified a life of broad-shouldered hard work, service, and kindness to others. He was a tireless volunteer for his life-long parish of St. Benedict Church. He was an early Bennie Backbreaker and served on many committees at St. Benedict, including chairing the Centennial Celebration. On a weeknight or free weekend, you may have found him on the tennis courts of Holmes High School with his children or playing there with many of the other regulars. He later took up and enjoyed golf; several vacations centered on golf with family and friends. After many family dinners, he delighted in one of his favorite past times, playing cards and table games with his children and grandchildren, and gathered frequently for cards with friends, playing bridge, pinochle, and euchre. Jack was a graduate of St Xavier High School (1948) and Xavier University (1952). Shortly after graduation, he joined the Army and upon active duty discharge, he returned to Covington. With 37 years of combined service, Colonel Flesch retired from the US Army Reserve in 1989. His civilian career included a stint as a neighborhood grocer (Scissons, 17th & Eastern, Covington) just before he began a successful 29-year career with State Farm Insurance retiring as Cincinnati region Claims Superintendent in 1990. Additionally, he served as a Director for Burnett Federal Savings and Loan and thereafter with The Bank of Kentucky. He is survived by Harriet Mueller, his wife of 19 years, brothers Tom Flesch (Barb) and Jerry Flesch (Melinda), children Greg Flesch (Kim Ruth), Kathy Davies (Dave), Donna Meyer (Terry), Paula Thueneman (Dave), Mary Bruckmann (John), John Flesch (Laura Hornbeck), Diane Barney (Pat), and Janet Wagner (Bill), stepsons Joe Mueller, Blake Mueller, and Ralph Mueller (Doreen Doscher). He was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. His wife of 42 years, Pauline Holman Flesch preceded him in death in 1996.Visitation will be from noon to 4 PM on Sunday, August 5, at Middendorf Funeral Home, 3312 Madison Pike, Fort Wright, KY. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 AM, Monday, August 6, at St. Benedict Church followed by interment at Mother of God Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Benedict Church, 338 East 17th St, Covington, KY 41014 and Be Concerned (Be Con), 1100 Pike St, Covington, KY 41011. Online condolences to: www.middendorf-funeralhome.com