Jack returned to Jackson to farm and, in 1959, joined the United States Air Force Reserves. He went on to serve in the National Guard, stationed in Sioux City, Iowa, with the 185th Tactical Squadron. He received his honorable discharge in 1965. Inspired by his love of attending cattle and farm sales, Jack graduated from the Reisch American School of Auctioneering in Mason City in 1960.

On January 12, 1963, he married Madonna Hoesing at St. Frances Church in Randolph, Nebraska, after meeting her at a dance at the West Randolph Ballroom. Together, they farmed east of Randolph, raising a herd of Holstein dairy cattle and growing corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Jack and Madonna were blessed with five children: Corene, Monica, Patti, Jim, and Jackie. Jack instilled in his children the values of hard work, faith, and the rewards of farm life. He was their 4-H leader and mentor, always leading by example. A devout member of St. Frances Church, Jack served as a Minister of the Eucharist, sacristan, and rosary leader.

Jack and Madonna shared a love for travel, visiting destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, along with many states across the U.S. Jack had a deep appreciation for working with livestock and loved attending dairy and cattle sales at the Norfolk Livestock Market and the Laurel Sale Barn.

In 2011, Jack and Madonna moved to State Center, Iowa, to be near their daughters. Jack embraced his love of the outdoors, restoring antique tractors, planting trees, and tending to his flowers. He cherished time with his family and grandchildren. While in State Center, he was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he led the rosary, served as a Minister of the Eucharist, and delivered Meals on Wheels. He was a proud member of the Rhodes American Legion Post 456 and the Mid-Iowa Antique Tractor Association of Marshall County.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Madonna; son Jim (Amy) McCarthy of Port Allen, Louisiana; daughters Corene (James) Baum of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Monica (Alan) Edler, Patti (Eric) Edler, and Jackie Mora, all of State Center. He was a beloved grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Rachel, Lucas, Adele, Sophia, and Rhiannon Baum; Blake and Robin Edler; Jacob (Moriah) Edler; Carolyn (Stetson) Badje; Emmett Edler; Shawn McCarthy; and Joaquin, Fabian, and Max Mora. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Taylee Mae Edler and Briggs Badje.

He is survived by his twin sisters, Alice Reeg and Ellen Livingston of Sioux City, Iowa; sister-in-law Marie Hoesing of Lincoln, Nebraska; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Helen McCarthy; his parents-in-law, Robert and Mary Hoesing; his granddaughter, Graciela Mora; his siblings Daniel (Marilyn) McCarthy, Thomas (Margaret) McCarthy, Ruth (Pat) Rooney, Marg (Vernon) Loutsch, Mary Rose (Sam) Morgan, Carol McCarthy, and Judy McCarthy; brothers-in-law Jerry Reeg, Charles Livingston, John T. Hoesing, and Roger Walz; nephew Jack Rooney; and nieces Malinda McCarthy and Joan McCarthy.

Funeral services with military honors will begin with a visitation on Monday, March 10th, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in State Center, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11th, at St. Joseph’s Church, with a funeral luncheon to follow. A Mass of Remembrance will be held at a later date at St. Patrick Church in Jack’s hometown of Jackson, Nebraska. The burial will take place at a later date. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Jack and his family. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Lovingly written by his family.