John “Jack” Roberts, longtime resident of Jordan, passed away very peacefully at his home on Friday, December 11, 2015. He was 87 years old. Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 11AM with visitation beginning at 9:30AM. Reverend Steven Thompson will officiate.
Jack was born in St. Peter MN on May 9 th , 1928 to Grace and Guy Roberts. He was the oldest of 4 boys, and was raised on a dairy farm just outside of town. He attended a one room grade school in Travis Township, and graduated from St. Peter High School in 1942.
Jack marched with the St. Peter Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps for almost a decade. He kept up many friendships, and over the years enjoyed watching them at Expos, and parades.
Jack married Joyce Ann Wels from Nicollet MN on April 17, 1965 during the record breaking flood. They adopted their first child, Lisa, in August, 1968 at Pueblo CO. The couple went on to have 2 more children, Jason and Lorenz before making Jordan their home.
Jack and Joyce were charter members of Hope Lutheran Church. Jack taught Sunday school, was a member of the church council, he was on the building committee, and often cooked or baked for special church occasions.
Jack worked most of his years in food service were his career began at the Holiday House in St Peter, then Lynville Treatment Center in Jordan. Jack went on to serve as Director of Food Service for Norwood Young America School District, and then Elim Shores Retirement Community Eden Prairie MN before retiring in 1998.
Jack will be best remembered as an avid sports fan. While he loyally followed the athletic programs within the school district, he particularly enjoyed the Brewers baseball team. Jack attended those games so frequently that he had a designated area to sit.
Survived by loving wife of 50 years, Joyce; children, Lisa (Joseph) Moriarty, Jason Roberts, Lorenz (Brenda Baumann) Roberts; grandchildren, Sean Moriarty, Allison Moriarty, Hayley Roberts, Shawntea Roberts; sister-in-law, Kathleen Hartwig; brother-in-law, Keith Wels; nephews, Kevin, Brian, Tracy, Bernard, and Grant Roberts.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Grace Roberts; siblings, James (Zoe) Roberts, Ross Roberts, Bruce (Peg) Roberts; father and mother-in-law, Lorenz and Ethel Wels; brothers-in-law, Gary Wels and Donald Hartwig; nephew, Van Roberts.
Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.
Private Interment at a later date.
