Obituary: John "Jack" Quinn

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In memory of

John "Jack" Quinn

of Milesville, South Dakota, died on Thursday, December 13, 2007 at his home in Milesville at the age of 88

John Edward “Jack” Quinn was born May 31, 1919, in Manila, South Dakota, the son of Peter and Charlotte (Phalen) Quinn. Jack lived his entire life on Hudson Flat, was baptized in the Catholic Church and was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Church of Milesville. Jack was married to Donna Nelson on June 22, 1955, in Philip.
Survivors include his wife Donna and their children: Pat and his wife Carla of Centennial, CO, and their children Chris, Lindsay, and Deena; Janelle Smith of Bellevue, NE, and her daughter Missy; Kathy Borkovec and her husband Rick of Rapid City and their children Adam and Amber; Lori Bierwagen and her husband Kevin of Sioux Falls, and their children Elliot and Alyssa; Tim and his wife Lori of Milesville, and their children Josh and Kelton; and Brady Quinn of Newburgh, NY. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Berry of Mora, MN; two brothers Leo and his wife Joyce of Rapid City, and Anthony Quinn of Rapid City; and many nieces and nephews. Also many cousins still in his father’s native land of Ireland, especially cousin Emmet and family, who visited often and is a part of our close family.
Jack was preceded in death by one son Joseph Quinn in 1978; his parents; and one sister Margaret Quinn.
Jack trucked locally for over fifty years and also had a mechanic shop known as Jack’s Shop. He was a strong community member, being involved in: Knights of Columbus, Plum Creek School Board, Farmer’s Union Board, and the Milesville Volunteer Fire Department.
Jack passed away December 13, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Nobody was a stranger to him, he liked to visit (no matter who it was with). Anyone who knew Jack, knew he could sit down and talk with anyone at any time or place. He was always a reader, a whiz at numbers and curious on how things worked. Dad was a spry Irishman who amazed us with his climbing up on the combine, granary, and the horse until the last year of his life. We know he is now in heaven having a cup of coffee with God talking about trucking and farming.
Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m., all at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 17, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.
Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
Memorials may be directed to Donna Quinn, 19975 Quinn Rd., Milesville, SD 57553.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Monday, December 17, 2007 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Ron Garry

MUSIC
Marianne Frein – Organist
Elliot Bierwagen – Accompanist
Glenn Parsons – Vocalist
“Old Rugged Cross”

LECTOR
Missy Smith

ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Martin Nelson – Don Schofield
Tom Barrett – Steve Pekron
Dick Hudson – Jerry Jones
Bob Berry – Mark Emerson
Pat O'Dea

USHERS
Jim Quinn – Eli Berry

ALTAR SERVERS
Zane Pekron – Abby Carley

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip
Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 16, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 17, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

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So sorry to hear of your loss. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless, Wes, Nicki & James Nelson ~ Wes & Nicki Nelson Midland (12/13/2007)
I know the past months have been a struggle for all of you. Jack is at peace now and his suffering is over. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Steve, Susan and family ~ Steve and Susan VanTassel Midland (12/13/2007)
Our deepest sympathy to the Quinn family. We knew Jack to be a very fine, upstanding, gentleman, who did trucking for us for many years. Once you met him, he remained your friend. All are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless Jack's life and memory. ~ Nels & Dorothy Paulson Hayes,SD (12/13/2007)
Just a note to let the family know they are in our prayers. Seems we are loosing all of our history tellers. Always enjoyed Jack and his stories. - Be strong. ~ Ramona Hudson Williams 6571 Longview Rd, R.C. (12/13/2007)
Dear Donna and family, Expressing sympathy is always difficult, but all we can say is how sorry we are. People pass on but their memory lives on in our hearts. ~ LaVona & Jack Kirkpatrick Hayes, SD (12/13/2007)
Kathy,Rick, Amber and Adam:
You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. We pray the lord will give you guidance and comfort during this difficult time. Your father and grandfather sounds like a remarkable man. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to ask us. You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Ryan Mechaley Rapid City (12/13/2007)
I have fond memories of Jack, he would stop and he and Cliff would have a good visit. I know he will be missed by all who knew him. May God comfort all of you. ~ Joy Phillips Midland ,SD (12/13/2007)
Donna & Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. He was a wonderful man and put up a brave fight. My fondest memory of him is handing out the church papers in the back of St. Mary's church. He always had something funny to say. He will be missed.
~ Theresa Pekron Westminster, CO (12/13/2007)
I still remember Jack coming to the farm to load the cattle to take then to the cattle sale. He always had a smile and would know us kids. Stand with his hands in his pocket while he visited. Peace be with you and your family. ~ Lianne (Bierwagen) Bjugstad Lisbon, ND (12/13/2007)
Donna and family, Sorry to read of your loss, sure isn't easy to let them go! Can't think of a time when I ever saw Jack that he didn't have a smile on his face and a greeting for everyone. My dad told many fond stories of driving truck for Jack, and how he enjoyed that! After mom passed away dad talked often of getting out to see Jack as he was getting up there in years and wouldn't be with us forever. This is a true case of God showing us his plans, dad made it to heaven a year and half ahead of Jack. I am sure they are enjoying a cup of coffee and many good stories with each other and more family and friends that are there to greet them. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time in your lives. ~ Jane Aasby Rapid City (12/13/2007)
Donna and Family~
We are thinking of all of you in our daily prayers and are hoping that time makes the loss of Jack easier to bear. He was such a worker! Jason has often commented that he "hoped to be that spry at that age!" We are sorry the last few months have been so difficult for all of you. Rest and take care of yourselves now. God's Blessings. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville (12/13/2007)
Donna & family:
~ Jim & Jessie (Dale) Root San Juan TX (12/13/2007)
Donna and family, My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. I remember having many wonderful visits with Jack over the years. Especially when your children were at school in Midland and when I would see him after we moved to Philip. I know you will have many good memories that will give you much comfort in the coming days. May God bless you all. Marcia Jackson ~ Bill and Marcia Jackson Hot Springs, SD (12/13/2007)
Quinn Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We all know Jack is suffering no more and that is a comfort. I will always remember Jack stopping to visit when we moved cattle to the pasture at Hudson Flat. When he stopped to visit we knew it would be a quite a while before we would be headed home. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way! ~ Scott, Jana and Matthew Jones Mildand, SD (12/13/2007)
We have known Jack for many years, and so enjoyed visiting with him when he would stop by the shop to get the guys to help with some repair. The world is certainly a better place because of Jacks wonderderful attitute. It has been an honor to have been in his circle of friends. He is definitely in a better place and at peace. Cherish all the wonderful memories! ~ George & Shirley Dennis Philip, SD (12/13/2007)
Donna, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Memories keep the happy times alive and well. Jack was always eager to visit and we were privileged to know you all. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (12/13/2007)
You have my deepest sympathy, through Janelle I have heard many wonderful stories about her dad, her family and the farm. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...Kay ~ Kay Gibson Bruce Crossing, MI 49912 (12/13/2007)
Lori, I am so sorry. He looks like such an amazing guy. I bet he was alot of fun to be around. ~ Belle Budd Sioux Falls, SD (12/13/2007)