Watch Jack's Funeral Service

John "Jack" Peter Stock, age 88, of Mahnomen, MN, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 surrounded by his family. His final moments will be remembered by the background music of " Unchained Melodies" and the house filled with the wonderful aroma of fresh baked cookies and buns.

Jack was born November 8, 1930 in Minneapolis, MN, to Ernest and Mary (Standing) Stock. He grew up in Minneapolis with his three siblings: Robert, James, and Janet. When he was 12 years old, the family moved to Harris, MN, where he shared many special memories with extended family at their home on Fish Lake.  Jack attended Stark country school and graduated from North Branch High School. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Fergus Falls, MN, to farm.  He joined the National Guard but ended up on the front lines in the Korean Conflict serving as a platoon leader.  Upon returning to Fergus Falls, he continued to work on the family farm when he met the love of his life, Doris Stash, a nursing student from Joliet, IL, who was completing her psychiatric training at the Fergus Falls State Hospital. The moment he saw her at Busters Bar in Elizabeth, MN, he fell in love. After a two-year courtship, they were united in marriage on November 26, 1955 in Joliet, IL, and moved to Fergus Falls where Jack farmed. A crop failure sent them back to Joliet for a few years, but they returned to Fergus Falls and eventually moved to Mahnomen in 1958, where they raised their six children.

Jack was passionate about family.  He was kind, loving, and generous.  He farmed with his brothers, Jim & Bob; and brother-in-law, Al Dewey, for many years and helped to establish his four sons into farming. He was a role model promoting teamwork and set the example of getting along. He was business savvy, sharing his knowledge and wisdom with his family gaining him much due respect as a patriarch. He lovingly cared for his wife, Doris, in his home for over 7 years until her death in 2015. To his family, he was much more than a father; he was a friend, confidant, and an advisor.

Jack was active in his community during his earlier years as a member of the Democratic Farm Labor political party, National Farmers Organization, St. Michael's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion. During his later years, he enjoyed going to the Star Fitness Center where he enjoyed flirting with the ladies.

Jack fought a year-long battle against lung cancer and enjoyed a "bonus-year" of high-quality life due to a relatively new cancer treatment option called "target-therapy". He was able to remain at home being cared for by his loving family. Despite failing health, he enjoyed going to Apache Junction, AZ, every winter with his family. His family will cherish special memories visiting with him on the patio enjoying the warm sun while enjoying the breath-taking view of Superstition Mountain. He will be missed dearly. Although his death will be mourned by many, his memory lives on through his family and the people whose lives he impacted with his endless love and generosity.

Jack is survived by his sons: Peter (Patricia), Kevin (Nancy), Mark all of Mahnomen, David (Leah) of Winger, MN; one daughter, Sandra (Scott Henry), of Park Rapids, MN; daughter-in-law, Paula, of Mahnomen; brother, James (Joyce), sister, Janet (Al Dewey); 17 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; son, Daniel; his parents; in-laws; and his brother, Robert Stock.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will take place one-hour prior to the service at the church.