General Information
Full Name: Jack Devitt
Date of Birth: July 7, 1942
Date of Death: March 7, 2013
Jack’s Lifestory
Francis John “Jack” Devitt
On Tuesday, July 7, 1942 in Prior Lake, Francis John “Jack” was born to parents Burdette and Ethel (Clemens) Devitt. He was the fourth of eight children. Jack’s childhood years were spent in Prior Lake. He spent countless hours playing ball and swimming in Prior Lake, with his siblings and friends.
Before finishing high school, Jack enlisted into the United States Navy. Serving three years on the U.S.S. John Pierce and the Dewey, he took part in many secret missions, including the rescue of John Glynn, the astronaut. Returning from the service, Jack’s sister introduced him to her roommate, Jeanette “Nellie” Nystrom. Their love grew for one another and on April 12, 1969, Jack and Nellie exchanged wedding vows at the Church of St. Michael in Prior Lake. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Julie and Joanna.
Living in Savage for several years, Jack established their roots in Farmington. As a family, they enjoyed camping, trips up north, visiting relatives and attending family reunions in North Dakota. As the children grew up, they enjoyed several family trips to Florida, visiting all the popular sights. This tradition has now included his grandchildren. In 2010, Jack and his family treasured their vacation to Branson, Missouri. He was also a member of the American Legion in Rosemount.
Most of Jack’s career was spent at Century Manufacturing in Bloomington. He was the supervisor of the coil department and then moved into the tool and die department. After retiring from Century, Jack was a security guard at Mystic Lake for 9 years, where he relished talking with people.
An avid Minnesota sports fan, Jack was always cheering on the Twins, Vikings and Gophers. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing softball for the Green Heights Lake Club, bowling, golfing and fishing. Jack loved playing cards and cribbage with family and friends. He also enjoyed collecting coins and completing crossword puzzles. Jack’s true passion in life was spending precious time with his family, especially the grandchildren.
The morning of Thursday, March 7, 2013, Jack, age 70, passed away at his home in Farmington. He will be missed for his kindness, generous soul and dedication as a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend and more.
Deeply missed and remember always by those who loved Jack, wife of 43 years, Jeanette “Nellie”; daughters, Julie (Aaron) Ehlers of Farmington, Joanna (Larry) Puck of Isanti; grandchildren, Hunter and Mackenzie Ehlers, Kody, Riley and Evan Puck; siblings, Pat (Rosemary) Devitt of Prior Lake, Ray (Sue) Devitt of Shakopee, Jean (Mike) Schreifels of Alberetville, Mary (Gary) Anderson of Vancouver, WA, Leonard Devitt of Prior Lake; brother-in-law, Joe Hommerich; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lawrence Devitt and Carol Hommerich.
Pall bearers for Jack will be his grandchildren and son-in-laws.
The Celebration of Life Service will be on Monday, March 11 at 3 pm, with visitation two hours prior all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, with full military honors provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Post 6208 Color Guard. Celebrant Jean Breeggemann will lead the service. Jack will be laid to rest at a private family gathering at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Jack’s memory by the family.
The Devitt family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
Visitation
When: Monday, March 11, 2013, 1 till 3 PM
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant St. SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Service Information
When: Monday, March 11, 2013, 3:00 PM
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant St. SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Interment
When: Private Family Gathering
Location: Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Address: Minneapolis, MN
