Jordan Thomas Schanck ’52

Jordan Thomas Schanck ’52 passed away on January 13 in Maryville, Illinois, where he had recently moved. Tom was born in Portland, Oregon, on February 5, 1931, and grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois. He graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1948 and from Dartmouth in 1952. He was an American civilization major, a member of Sigma Nu and a varsity football letterman. After serving as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army, Tom began his career in an entry-level position with the Signode Steel Strapping Co. and rose through the ranks to become chairman and CEO in 1982. He continued in that role for 14 years, until retirement. In addition, he was vice chairman of Illinois Tool Works, parent company of Signode. Tom also served on numerous corporate boards of directors. As a business leader, he also served on the governing boards of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Economic Club of Chicago. He was also very active with his church, Christ Church of Oak Brook, Illinois. Tom enjoyed traveling and he spent much of his retirement in Loblolly Bay, Florida, and Bar Harbor, Maine, where he enjoyed playing golf, boating and photography. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 60 years, Barbara; children Karen, Rebecca and William and their spouses; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother Peter ’60.