Jack Emmett DeMuth
September 14, 1929 - July 27, 2021
Burial
- Location: St. Ansgar Cemetery - St. Ansgar, Iowa
Private Family Celebration of Life
- Date: October 22, 2021
- Time: 10:30 a.m.
- Location: First Lutheran Church - St. Ansgar, Iowa
- Note: A Masonic service will be held at 10:00 a.m.
From Mason City, IA; formerly from St. Ansgar, Ia.Cremation has taken place. A private family Celebration of Jack's Life will be held on October 22, 2021 at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. On a very warm, late summer evening, Jack's earthly journey ended peacefully at In-Patient Hospice of North Iowa. The Heaven's opened up in glorious sunshine as this devoted, faithful and loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Great-Great Grandfather Brother, Uncle, Neighbor and Friend entered into eternal life with those who went on before him. Jack was born on September 14, 1929 in the St. Barnabus Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Iola Gae (Henderson) DeMuth and Franklin Raymond DeMuth. His baptism took place on 10-23-29 at the Basilica in Minneapolis with John DeMuth and Mary Irman DeMuth standing as his sponsors. Jack attended grade school through the 7th grade at Osage, Iowa. In May of 1942, Jack moved to a farm just outside of Mitchell, Iowa to be a hired hand to Lester and Mabel Anderson. He stayed at their farm, starting 8thgrade in the Mitchell School system, the only boy in his class of five girls! He loved the farm life even though the work was hard. He joined 4H, and was extremely proud of his Charolais cattle that he raised, entering them in the County Fair. He was so proud to earn purple ribbons on cattle, and would often share these memories with his Grandchildren in conversation. Jack graduated in May of 1947 from the Mitchell High School. Following graduation, he went to Minneapolis to work as an apprentice carpenter, for Oscar Anderson, returning to Mitchell in April of 1948, to work for Jack Metz. Jack married Mary Jean Bredeson in a quaint little Church in Mitchell on June 14th, 1948. A romance that lasted just shy of 67 years before Mary gained her Angel wings. They were loving and supportive parents to their three daughters: Deborah, Jacquelyn, and Michele. Jack supported his Community as a Volunteer Fireman from 1952- 1962. He served as City Clerk from 1953-1963, and was also Mayor for a short time. Over the years, Jack was employed at several St. Ansgar businesses only moving on to better himself for his family. His last and most rewarding employment was at Grain Millers. He saw this business survive two fires and a new location and many changes to product and growth. In 1959, Jack joined the Mason's where he maintained a 50 year membership in Osage Lodge #102 receiving numerous distinguished honors over the years. He was very proud to be a Mason. Over the 50 years of his membership he made long lasting friends and was a mentor to many as they too chose to live this wonderful life of Masonry. May 14, 1993, was a big day for Jack! He retired from Grain Miller's giving him the free time to spend with his family and friends. He and Mary enjoyed their winters in Aransas Pass, Texas where they owned a home next to Jack's brother, Ted and wife Anabele. They continued to winter in Texas until 2000 when they sold their home there and remained in Iowa for the winters. Jack enjoyed golf, fishing, and woodworking. He was so talented at making anything. If you mentioned an item and could not find anywhere…he would sit down, draw it out, and next time you saw him…there it would be. Completed! Jack's long and distinguished career taught those around him the importance and value of a good work ethic, a strong desire to succeed and above all the importance of being punctual, not to mention being at work when scheduled .Those working with Jack, soon learned that he was committed to excellence. He accepted nothing less from those working with him. Because of these traits, his children and grandchildren learned these same valuable work ethics. They will carry that knowledge with them for the rest of their careers, passing these traits on because they learned from the best…a very humble, hard working and honest man. Jack's life story really begins and ends with his Family…they were all so very important to him. In May of 2019, Jack made another transition in his life. He sold the home that he and Mary shared in St.Ansgar and moved to Mason City, IA to live with his daughter and son-in-law. It was a change in lifestyle for sure, often joking that the best thing was, "not having to do the dishes any more". He treasured visits from his daughters, grands, and friends. He quickly became the favorite "human" in the house to his faithful 4 legged breakfast companion, Sadie! She always made her presence known by nudging his upper leg until he would acknowledge her. Jack was a man of Faith. His Faith was very important to him. He was a long time member of the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA. As his health deteriorated, he was most grateful to be able to view the weekly Church services via Face Book. Pastor and often Mrs. Staley, visited Jack monthly bringing Communion to Jack along with a special song from Pastor. The Songs were especially touching to Jack; bringing back memories that sometimes rolled down his cheeks. The Covid time was hard on Jack. He was not able to visit with his daughters every other weekend like he was accustomed to, his friends or his Brothers at the Masonic Lodge. During this time, Jack spent many hours talking about the times when he was young, with notes being written. It was very important to him to leave a legacy for the grands and greats to be able to read about and remember him by. Jack had not seen his siblings for quite some time, because of Covid. Bob and Deb decided to plan a surprise luncheon and visit from his sister, Diann and brother, David. It was the scheduled on the weekend that his daughters were to visit for the day, also. Jack was truly surprised; his favorite foods were prepared and served. It was an unforgettable afternoon with hugs, memories, old photos shared and so much love…even a few tears. Remaining here to cherish his memory are: Daughters: Deborah (Robert) Slusarczyk, Jacquelyn (John) Jorgensen, and Michele (Michael) Stark, Sr. Grandchildren: Angie Heuck (Mark Hilliker), Jennifer (Raul) Coronado, Amber (Thomas) Stevens, Charissa Rosenberg, Shane (Kim) Rosenberg, Jason Jorgensen, Michael (Jennifer) Stark, Jr., and Morgan Stark. Great Grandchildren: Emerald (Marcus Scigliano) Schlie, Colton (Sydney) Schlie, Keisha (Koleton Ewing) DanielleCoronado, Brayden Coronado, Alex Naran, Jackson Rosenberg, Harrison Rosenberg, Owen Rosenberg, Kiera Rosenberg, Skylar (Domanick) Beresford and Joshua Stevens: Great- Great-Grandchildren: Joslynn Beresford,Liam Beresford, Cecilia Rae Scigliano: Brother: David J. Low; Sisters: Diann Orpen, Sharon Nelson, Jeanne Dragert and Joanie Crader: Special friends: Pam and Joe Beyer. Also surviving are many Lodge Brothers, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary. Mother: Iola Low; Step-Father: Theodore Low; Father: Franklin DeMuth; Step-Mother: Agnes DeMuth; Brothers: James DeMuth and Ted Low; Mother-in-law: Hazel Burgett; Step Father-in-law: Leonard Burgett;Father-in-law: Christian Bredeson; Sisters-in-law: LucilleFleming, Doris Hesch, Judith Low and Anabele Low;Brothers-in-law: Leslie Sorenson, Jerry Hesch, HarlanBredeson, David Bredeson, Orvis Orpen, Wayne Nelsonand Leroy (Lee) Dragert; Niece: Nikki Seabright. May God Bless His Memory. May he Rest in Everlasting Peace. Memorials in Jack's honor may be sent to: 1170 14th St. SE Mason City, Iowa 50401-6972 When I have crossed in the Great Beyond, To the city "not made with hands" Do not weep or mourn for I shall be In that fairest of all fair lands Where pain, care, and sorrow are known no more But all is bright and gay, And I wait, with God, to welcome you When you, too, shall come this way. -Ottilie D. Heeschen
