"Jack was my first real art teacher. We met in the Commercial Art program at DMACC in the early 1970s. I went on to further my artistic education and become a professional artist but it was Jack that started it all. He was my teacher, my guru and my friend and I loved him. God bless and rest you Jack."
In loving memory of
Jack Milton Mastrofski
September 23, 1923 - January 16, 2015
Jack M. Mastrofski, 91, of Indianola and formerly West Des Moines, IA, died January 16, 2015 at Westview Care Center, Indianola. Born September 23, 1923 in Des Moines, he was the oldest son of Saul and Rebecca Mastrofski. He married the girl of his dreams, Marita Gholson, at her parents home in Knoxville, IA on October 8, 1944.
In high school Jack enjoyed drawing, swimming, and fencing. His art talent resulted in early recognition at school and from the Younkers department store where his father worked as a haberdasher. Jack graduated from North High School in 1941 and in 1944 attended the Art Students League of New York on scholarship, living in a Chelsea flat with his new wife. Later they moved to a cabin in an artists colony near Woodstock, New York, where they resided until returning to Iowa in 1947. During their time in New York Jack and Marita met many interesting people, including Anais Niin and James Baldwin. He also illustrated a book of poems by Lee Ver Duft, Inner Course in Time, Flesh & Eidolon.
Back in Iowa, Jack worked as a fry cook and other odd jobs in Knoxville, then as a quality control inspector for several years at Solar Aircraft of Des Moines, where he served as a union steward. In 1953, he and his growing family relocated to an acreage in West Des Moines, where he resided for 62 years. When Solar relocated out of state, Jack took several jobs in commercial art, attending Drake University part time until he received his baccalaureate in 1965. Following graduation he worked as the art instructor for Norwalk Community Schools for several years before changing to the Des Moines Area Community College, teaching commercial art. During his years at DMACC he inspired scores of students, many of whom kept in touch with him after graduating. Not only was Jack known as a diversely skilled and dedicated teacher with high expectations of his students, he also enjoyed spending time with them outside of class such as chaperoning trips to New Orleans, San Francisco, and other cities. He retired in 1985, although he continued to do a variety of art projects for businesses in the Des Moines area and other parts of Iowa, as well as doing some part-time teaching at DMACC.
During his career as an artist, Jack worked in a variety of media and styles, including ink, crayon, oils, wood, silk screen, Japanese-style gold leaf print, bronze castings memorializing World War I doughboys, Bruegel-style murals of alpine parties, spicy club scenes in the fashion of Toulouse-Lautrec, and bas-relief copperwork depicting the brewing of beer. His drawings and paintings grace the walls of private clients and family, and can also be found at Peggys Tavern (Des Moines) and the Guthrie Center county building. For several decades, Des Moines-area theatre goers enjoyed his handiwork on stage in the construction of sets, masks, and other props, as well as eye-catching posters. He received an award from the Drama Workshop for his artistic contributions to dramatic productions.
Jack loved reading books and spending time in libraries. He treasured the West Des Moines library, and its solicitous staff, who expressed frequent gratitude for his immense contribution to their circulation statistics. Jacks reading interests were broad, ranging from anthropology to zoology. He did not travel a great deal, but he journeyed much through books, where his imagination took him places few have gone. Occasionally he illustrated his journeys, such as his memorable visit to the moon in a bathtub, long before Apollo 11 astronauts got there.
Jack was a fabulous story teller, entertaining children young and old with highly animated renditions of fairy tales, such as Big Klaus and Little Klaus, tales of Brer Rabbit, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. One of his favorite recitations was a Great Depression-era spoonerism he learned from his father, and that he passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Once a Big Molicepan. He delighted in constructing spur-of-the-moment puns. He loved music, and he enjoyed playing his stand-up bass fiddle in concert with family musicians and even the occasional club gig. His creativity extended to the fashioning of exotic gustatory concoctions, such as his regular breakfast of sardines and peanut butter.
Jack enjoyed frequent visits from the large number of family and friends who dropped by or lived at his always-welcoming home over the decades. This same home was for many years a haven for dogs and cats, such as Mollydog, Malcolm, Skeeter, Max, and numerous generations of Eloises. all of whom received his devoted love and attention.
Jack is survived by his wife of 70 years, brother Burton Mastrofski, and his wife, Sandy. Surviving children are: Stephen Mastrofski and his wife Jennifer, Robin Vanderhoef and her husband Russell, and Aaron Mastrofski. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Melissa Ferguson, Danielle Vanderhoef, Amelia Ruiz, Daniel Mastrofski, and Eric Mastrofski. Also surviving are his 9 great grandchildren: Oscar Ferguson-Osborne, Paige Yanny, Amari Mastrofski, Jalen Harris, Iliana Ruiz, Annabel Vanderhoef, Kian Ruiz, Bryson Mastrofski, and Cameron Mastrofski. In addition, he is survived by nine sisters/brothers-in-law: Dale Streeter, Adrienna and Lewis Clark, Hank Gholson, Sally Garfield, Susan Gholson, Jim Schoonover, Michaeleen Parks, and Bill Vogel. Among surviving family are many, many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his sister, Diane Arden-Vogel and fourtteen sisters/brothers in law: Jauson Streeter, Jalene Wilson, Harold Wilson, Wesley Arden, Cherri Pitcher, William Pitcher, Barbara Mastrofski, Harrison Gholson, Francesanne Fountain, Bruce Fountain, Bill Banks, Dale Convey, Molly Schoonover, and Bill Parks.
Private burial of cremains will be at Resthaven Cemetery, West Des Moines. Arrangements are under the direction of Celebrate Life Iowa. A celebration of life event will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Jacks name to the West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway,
West Des Moines, IA 50265. http://www.wdmlibrary.org/support-the-library/friends-foundation/
Jack was grateful for all the love, support, and inspiration he received from family, friends, mentors, and students throughout his life. The loving care of many family members made it possible for him to remain at home when his health was declining. Westviews staff provided attentive care and support during his two-month stay there, which enabled him to leave this world with Marita tenderly at his side. Those who knew him well will miss his great devotion to creativity, learning, family, work ethic, and doing ones best. But most of all, he was playful. The Bengali poet and playwright, Rabindranath Tagore penned a few words that fit Jack well: Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.
Tributes
"Marita and Family, We have great fun memories of Jack from teaching together to the Drama Workshop and especially moving that damn printing press. He was a great guide for me when I first began teaching. We helped each other and a had great time on our north end of the building. We started to notice the other teachers avoided our domain. I think they were afraid of the weird guys in the art and tech area! Rest in peace, old friend. Wendell & Connie"
"Dear Marita, Stephen, Robin & Aaron, I learned today of Jack's passing, and I know he'll be greatly missed. What stands out in my childhood memory of him is this--among the fathers I knew, he was the one with an abiding sense of humor. I never knew him to say a cross word, even in the face of impulsive childhood antics. Please accept our sincere condolences and our best wishes for all of you. Jon & Linda Gibson"
"To Marita, Robin, and all Jack's family, My memories of Jack go back to when my husband and I started teaching in Norwalk in 1966. Jack was a standout among the staff of 35 teachers, K-12, at the time. He became a favorite of our family. His art talents were utilized in both of our classes as he always generously shared his many talents. He also shared his wife with us as Marita became our 'tax lady' and dear friend and advisor, also. They both encouraged and enjoyed one of my cousins through the Drama Workshop when he appeared in some of the productions. This marvelous couple have a special place in my heart and in the hearts of many who came in contact with them. I am sure that Jack and Dave (my husband) are sharing old stories today in heaven! Libby Mineart"
"I fondly remember Jack being present at Drama Workshop shows and rehearsals. With his fabulous wife, Marita, Jack was there to help our shows be a success. What a great couple. Prayers and warm thought s to Marita and family. Jack was a great guy! Susan Voss"
"To Marita, Stephen, Robin, Aaron, and family. Dear Jack, my brother-in-law and dear friend, I miss you. I send you my abiding love on the next leg of your remarkable journey. I share with your family and friends the emptiness that accompanies your loss but I am uplifted by the overflowing rich memories filled with laughter."