Jared Ryan McPeak, 20, Key Largo, FL passed away at home on Monday, March 3rd, 2014, four months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was determined to be an aggressive form of cancer.
He was born to Jason and Sheila McPeak (Hoffman) on Thanksgiving, November 25th, 1993 in Appleton, WI. He lived in Gurnee, IL for 12 years. Jared graduated from Coral Shores High School, Key Largo, FL in 2012, and he was in his sophomore year studying Marine Engineering at Texas A&M Maritime Academy, Galveston, TX.
He is survived by his mother and father, Sheila and Jason McPeak, and his sisters, Samantha and Sydney McPeak, Key Largo, FL. He is also survived by his grandparent, Patricia McPeak, Fremont, WI, Uncle Shannon (Tara) McPeak and Cousins Michael and Catherine, Fremont, WI, Uncle Cory McPeak and Cousin John, Fremont, WI. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Michael Earl McPeak. He is also survived by his grandparents, Wayne and Lois Hoffman, Weyauwega, WI, Aunt Christine (Russell) Jack and Cousins Derek and Aaron, Waukesha, WI, Uncle Jeffrey Hoffman and Angie Psket, Cameron, NC, Uncle John (Connie) Hoffman, Ogdensburg, WI, Uncle Thomas Hoffman (Jennifer Beug-Hoffman) and Cousins Madeline and Sean, Brookfield, WI.
Jared was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word – remarkably nice and thoughtful. He cared about the feelings of others but never worried about what others thought of him. He was easy-going and he’d let people see his fun-loving nature once he got to know them. He was always willing to help fix things or lend a hand without complaint. We lost not only a child, but an intelligent, independent young man and friend.
At 20 years old, Jared had set major goals for himself and was working towards them. He was proud to have gone to Guatemala during Christmas 2012 on a volunteer construction trip to help renovate a school. Jared’s favorite activities were playing video games and sailing. He enjoyed his short time at Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and our family appreciates the help that his commanders and fellow cadets gave us when Jared became noticeably sick and hospitalized. Jared was sincerely kind natured in life and throughout his illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to a scholarship fund in Jared's name at Texas A&M Maritime Academy. Donations can be made online at https://www.aggienetwork.com/give/memorialgiving/ or be sent by mail using a paper form that you can print from https://www.aggienetwork.com/media/guides/giving/memorial gift.pdf.
Jared donated his body to science so his memorial service was delayed by a few months until his cremated remains became available to his family.
Memorial Mass for Jared will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014, at 12 Noon at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 712 South Pearl Street, New London, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service with a lunch reception to follow. Burial will be at the McPeak family plot, Most Precious Blood Cemetery, New London, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.forevermissed.com/jared-mcpeak.
