Our Dad & Hero
LTC John Martin "Jack" Grasmeder entered into eternal life in the early morning of January 14, 2026 with his two daughters at his side. He is survived by 5 children: Jon Grasmeder (Maria), Margee Mangus (Nick), Christine Richardson (Mark), Mark Grasmeder (Dympna), and Chuck Grasmeder (Sophie), 11 grandchildren: Jim Grasmeder (Lizzie), Emma Grasmeder, Allison Grasmeder (Dan), Nicholas Mangus (Claudia), Anthony Mangus (Clare), Timothy Richardson (Rebecca), Carly Richardson, Jack Grasmeder, Sarah Grasmeder, Ella Grasmeder, and Dan Grasmeder, and 3 great grandchildren: Sammy Grasmeder, Riccardo Mangus, and Imrie Grasmeder, as well as a host of brother and sister-inlaws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He also leaves behind his beloved schipperke dog, Madel.
Early Life
Jack was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 8, 1933, the second of four children in a German Irish Catholic family. His summers were spent in Blackwood, NJ, and it is there that his love of the water originated. Jack worked hard, having a paper route as a young boy. He then worked at Michelfelders Meats, driving a delivery truck while he was in high school. He was enamored with the idea of the helicopter, and the only place you could fly one was the Army, so he decided to go to flight school.
A Fantastic Year
1955 was a fantastic year for Jack: he graduated from LaSalle College in the ROTC program with a degree in Economics, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen, got his first brand new car, and his first dog. Life was good!
Military Family Life
Jack and Kathie moved all over for the next 20+ years, as they were stationed in Germany, and many Army bases around the United States, moving every one to two years. Along the way, they welcomed six children - four boys and two girls. (One of the boys died in infancy.)
Distinguished Military Career
Jack got his wish and flew many types of helicopters during his distinguished 23 year career in the Army. He served two year-long tours in the Vietnam War, flying Hueys and Chinooks. It was in Vietnam in 1965 that the President of the United States awarded Jack the *Silver Star for Bravery*, the third highest honor a soldier can receive.
On June 10, 1965, the village of Dong Xoai was under heavy attack. Of the 25 US Special Forces personnel in the village, only 11 were still alive and most of them were seriously wounded. Jack volunteered to fly the lead aircraft of three helicopters to evacuate the remaining American and Vietnamese personnel. Demonstrating complete disregard for his own safety, Jack led the flight through intense hostile fire. He is credited with saving the lives of 10 Americans and several Vietnamese military personnel. Jack is truly an American hero.
Retirement Years
After retirement, Jack and Kathie built the home of their dreams on the water in Colonial Beach, Virginia and enjoyed many happy years on their boats, traveling in their RV with their dogs (they always had at least one!), and entertaining family and friends. Jack loved boating, fishing, traveling, watching the Redskins, and picking crabs, but most of all, Jack loved being with his wife, Kathie.
Devoted Caregiver
For about twenty years, Kathie battled a variety of health issues, and Jack was her devoted caregiver, nurse, and cheerleader every step of the way. Kathie passed away at the age of 80 in 2014. Jack was devastated, but soldiered on for 12 more years.
His Legacy
If we had to sum up our Dad in just a few words, they would have to be: service, family, hard work, devotion to God, and love of his country. We, his five children and spouses, are trying to figure out how to live life without our Dad, but we have each other. As military "brats", we have always been each other's best friends. Although Dad's loss leaves a profound hole in our lives, we are comforted by the fact that our parents are now together again forever.
Burial
Jack will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on February 26, 2026 at 3 pm.
In Lieu of Flowers
The family requests that you make a donation in Jack's memory to the charity of your choice, or to one of two organizations that Jack supported:
St Jude
https://www.stjude.org/promotion/impact-giving-pm.html
Mutts with a Mission
https://muttswithamission.networkforgood.com/
