Jack D. Railsback
Jack D. Railsback, DVM “Doc” of Humboldt, Nebraska, passed away March 20, 2023, at age 90.
Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, December 29, 1932, he was the son of Glen and Geraldine Railsback. Jack spent his childhood years in many rural western Kansas towns due to his father’s transfers as a member of the Rural Water Conservation Corps.
Jack was a graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School in Lincoln Nebraska, and, following in the footsteps of his two uncles, he pursued his degree in veterinary medicine at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and lettered on the track team as a hurdler. During this time he met Ruth Ann Gress. They married on June 1, 1956.
After college Jack served for two years in the United States Army as a food plant inspector on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. He and Ruth then moved to Blandisville, Illinois, where he joined a veterinary practice. A year later, he decided to open his own large animal practice and the Railsbacks moved to Humboldt. For the next 30 years he faithfully served the farming community, of which he was fond of saying, “There aren’t any better people than those guys that put their bibs on every morning — they are great people.” As he and Ruth Ann raised their six children, he found he enjoyed farming and took over his father’s Angus herd.
In 1987, Jack and Ruth moved to Castleton, Vermont, where he began a career hobby — carpentry. A skilled craftsman, he managed a cabinet shop, remodeled the family kitchen and built much of the Railsback home furniture.
Thirteen years later, “Doc” and Ruth Ann retired to White City in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Here they enjoyed hosting their grandchildren for weekends, weeks or even months during the summer. The kids spent time in Grandpa’s workshop, Gram’s sewing room, making root beer floats and grilling outdoors.
Following his beloved Ruth Ann’s passing, Jack returned to his first home on the hill in Humboldt. He enjoyed being closer to family, having coffee with old and new friends, and driving in his red Mazda Miata convertible for daily observation trips to his grandson’s fabrication shop.
Jack relished riding his horse, Ms. Jack, in the rain. He was a quick wit, a lover of beer, lifelong and fierce K-State fan and a committed alumni to the College of Veterinary Medicine. An avid reader, he possessed deep knowledge of U.S. history and Native Americans.
“Doc” passed on to his children and grandchildren his gift of carpentry, skill of working with his hands, his knowledge and love of baking, a strong work ethic and athletic ability. He would claim all the intelligence his kids had came from their mother.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents and wife Ruth Ann Railsback. Survivors include his children, Brad Railsback of Grand Junction, Colorado, Tom and Natalie Railsback of Ashmore, Australia, Dan Railsback of Big Lake, Alaska, Mark Railsback of Humbolt, Jim and Vicki Railsback of Tuscon, Arizona, Ann Railsback of Atlanta, Georgia, and daughter-in-law Donna Railsback. Surviving grandchildren are Elizabeth Stagemeyer, Marcus Railsback, Ben Railsback, Jacob Railsback, Luke Forney, Mason Railsback, Ava Railsback, Jack Railsback, and great grandchildren Blair, Jade and Ivy Railsback.
A memorial service will be held April 8, 2023, at 10:30 at the Humbolt United Methodist Church. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Langdon, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to Wounded Warriors. Share your Jack story at https://app.mialma.com/ jack-d-railsback.