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Jack William Stilwell, 99 of Unadilla, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Syracuse Hospital. He was born October 13, 1926, in Unadilla, Nebraska to Burt Stilwell and Gladys (Wallen) Stilwell. He graduated from Unadilla High School in 1943. Jack played on the Unadilla Town Baseball and Basketball Teams. He entered the Army on March 1, 1945, and served in the Depot Command in the Philippines. Jack was transferred to the 3464 Medium Maintenance Company until he was discharged in November of 1946.

Jack came back to Nebraska and made his home with his mother Gladys and stepfather Jim Stilwell. This was the first time Jack had a permanent home since the passing of his father, Burt Stilwell. Jack farmed in Otoe County his entire life.

Jack married Maxine (Ebert) Stilwell on March 24, 1952. They lived in the Unadilla area throughout their married life. In 2019, Jack was crowned the Groundhog Day King.

He was a member of the Nash-Jensen 195 American Legion Post, the Masonic Lodge 287, Order of the Eastern Star 257, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Unit 5547, and the Scottish Shrine.

Jack is survived by his daughter Kay (Tom) Bergquist and son-in-law Galen Crawford. Grandchildren Tracy Bornemeier, Dan Crawford (Tanya), Ashley O’Brien (Pat), Megan Kelly (Randy); and great-grandchildren Aysha Herndon, Kole Crawford, Briar Crawford, Chris Hillebrandt, Shannon O’Brien, Harper Kelly, and Cora Kelly.

Preceded in death by parents, Burt and Gladys Stilwell, stepfather James Stilwell, stepsister Margaret Chapoton, stepbrother, Joe Stilwell, wife, Maxine and daughter, Ann Crawford.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the Unadilla United Methodist Church. The service will be livestreamed on the Fusselman Facebook page. Burial will follow at the Unadilla Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Syracuse.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com