Jack H. Marston

Jack H. Marston was born in Marinette, WI to John & Alma Marston in 1933 . After moving from Wisconsin to New Jersey and eventually to Kentucky, Jack attended Atherton High School in Louisville where in addition to playing basketball and baseball, he was the quarterback of the school’s first football team. His athleticism lead him to the University of Kentucky where he played for the Wildcats baseball team, serving as team captain his senior year.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Jack started his career with US Steel, first in Eastern Kentucky and eventually moving to the south suburbs of Chicago. At US Steel, he was introduced to computers and became fascinated with the opportunities they presented for businesses. He learned as much as he could about this new technology and in time decided to start his own computer time share and programming business. Jack founded Custom Data Processing (CDP) in 1979 with the mission of providing high-quality public health technology solutions to assist the delivery of essential services to state and local communities. As a pioneer in the computer industry, Jack’s vision, hard work and knowledge, as well as surrounding himself with co-workers that were as ambitious as himself, has made CDP a premier provider of data management systems for the public health community, serving hundreds of clients across 60 states, US territories and Indian tribal organizations. Jack has long stayed involved in CDP’s leadership, proudly working alongside his children and grandchildren.

Although Jack found much success in his career, his greatest joy came from his family. While at the University of Kentucky, he met the love of his life, Anita Gatewood. They married a few months later and spent the rest of their lives by each other’s side. Their nearly 65-year marriage was a beautiful example of their enduring love and adoration for one another. Jack and Anita were the loving parents of three children, the late Jack Marston, Jr., Steve (Carol) Marston and Kelly Pralle. They were devoted grandparents to Jennifer (Chris) Cook, Scott (Katie) Pralle, Daniel (Kara), Cassidy, and Melissa Marston. Most recently, Jack became a proud great-grandfather to Parker and Hudson Pralle and Brady Marston. Jack and Anita were always on the sidelines of their grandchildren’s sporting events and cherished memories of family vacations to Colorado and Florida. Jack was an avid golfer throughout his life and played some of his favorite rounds with his children and grandchildren.

Jack will be reunited in heaven with his beloved wife Anita, son Jack Jr., parents John and Alma, favorite brother-in-law Joe Ray Gatewood, and many lifelong friends. He will be remembered for his steadfast positive outlook, hard-working nature, and the humility and integrity he brought to all aspects of his life. Jack’s life made an impact on so many people and he will be greatly missed by his family and countless friends.


A visitation will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort IL 60423 on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a time of sharing at 6:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at Frankfort Cemetery 215 E. Main St. Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Suncrest Hospice, www.suncrestcare.com or 5 Revere Dr. Suite 130 Northbrook IL 60062. For information www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-806-2225