John "Jack" Starkey, age 75, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Monday, July 11, 2016, at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo, ND.

Jack was born July 14, 1940, to John and Bertha (Bellecourt) Starkey in White Earth, MN. Living his entire life in the Mahnomen area, Jack attended school and graduated from Mahnomen in 1958. As a young man, he worked with his father in construction helping build many local establishments. Following graduation, Jack enlisted it the United States Navy where he learned the trade of electric motor repair. Upon his honorable discharge in 1961, Jack returned to Mahnomen and opened Jacks Motor Rewind. On September 29, 1962, Jack was united in marriage to Cheryl Lee at St. Michael's Catholic Church. In the mid-1960's, Jack began selling Polaris Snowmobiles. He owned and operated Jack's Polaris Sales for many years. In addition, Jack also operated the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store for 14 years and later the JC Penny Catalog Desk for 18 years. He was also employed with United States Post Office as a relief mail carrier for 17 years. Jack retired in 2004, enjoying spending time at home with friends and family.

Over the years, Jack served on the Mahnomen Fire Department, the Boosters Club, and the Mahnomen School Board for 15 years. He was very active with St. Michael's Catholic Church and devoted many hours to the St. Michael's Cemetery Board. He also held membership with the Knights of Columbus and the Ogema VFW. Jack enjoyed Mahnomen School Athletics and was active with the Quarterback Club. He especially enjoyed watching, listening on the radio, or hearing about his grandchildren's sporting events. In his spare time, Jack liked to snowmobile, hunt, and fish, especially enjoying those annual fishing trips to Split Lake. He was a meticulous woodworker and made many beautiful items for his family. Most of all, Jack loved his family and cherished his wife, each of his sons and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his sons: Bryan (Kim Gassner) of New Prague, MN, Bruce (Shannon) of Mahnomen and Jason (Tina) of Mahnomen; his brother, Donald (Cleo) of Callaway, MN, and his sister, Margaret Barsody of Elk River, MN; his six grandchildren: Sarah, Tyler (Brandi), Joe, Jack, Jon and William.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha, and his sister, Florence Nehasil.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, July 16, 2016, at 10:00 am at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, with Father David Super officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Jacks grandchildren: Sarah, Tyler (Brandi) Joe, Jack, Jon, and William. Visitation was Friday, July 15, 2016, from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30, at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Interment took place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.