Jack Robert Kootman peacefully passed away on May 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born in St. Louis on November 30, 1930, the second youngest of Louis and Mollie’s six children.

Jack graduated from Soldan-Blewett High School in the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood of St. Louis, where he met Rae (of blessed memory), his soon-to-be wife of 73 years. Jack and Rae married on June 24, 1951 and created a home full of love and adventure on Whitebridge Ln. in Creve Coeur. Jack is the father and father-in-law of Gale (Richard) Lourie, Susan (Brett) Williams, Steven Preston Kootman (Ron Bray) and Scott Kootman (James Wagner); Grandfather of Michael (Simcha) Lourie, Jason Williams, Matthew (Robin) Lourie, Stephanie (Michael) McFadden, Adam (Kate) Lourie, Lindsay (Colton) Boehm, Justin (Dana) Williams, Brittney Diebling, Amanda Lasater, Joshua (Danielle) Kootman and Benjamin Kootman. A great-grandfather to 27, ranging from ages 19 to one month old. Dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Growing up, Jack and his neighborhood friends created a group they called the Panthers, which is where he formed life-long connections through sports and social activities. Shortly after marrying Rae, Jack was drafted into the U.S. Army 101 Airbourne and served in Germany as a Military Police Officer during the Korean War. He joined his father in the scrap metal industry and also traveled the country for Diversified Metals before starting his own business, K-Met, where he worked alongside Rae, who managed the office. Jack was a natural salesman who was able to quickly form a connection with anyone through stories and jokes.

Jack was skilled at many different sports and games and instilled his competitive spirit into his entire family. He was a top-ranked skeet shooter in Missouri and avid golfer with four holes-in-one to his name. The house was always filled with grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were eager to swim in the summer and play Papa in pool, ping pong, backgammon and poker, often late into the night. In his semi-retired years, he enjoyed working as a golf course marshal and at Golf Galaxy, where was able to share his vast knowledge about the game he loved.

Graveside service on Wednesday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017. Shiva will be from 4-6 p.m. at 8020 Rosiline Dr., 63105, with a service at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Jewish Family Services at www.jfsstl.org, an organization that works to support families and seniors, alleviate hunger and improve mental health throughout the St. Louis community.

Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE