Walter Vern Jacks

Walter “Wally” Vern Jacks, age 76, passed away on October 23, 2025, in the comfort of his home after battling Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) for fourteen-and-a-half years. He was born on October 17, 1949 in Portland, OR to Maude and Claude Jacks. Wally married Mary Comeau of Minneapolis, MN on July 22, 1975 in Baudette, MN, two months after meeting her at a wedding reception. 

Wally moved his family to the St. Croix River Valley, often referring to it as, “God’s Country.” He helped bring youth baseball back to the lower St. Croix River Valley, serving as a coach for a number of years. Wally also enjoyed coaching the junior bowling team at Hudson Bowling Center. He worked as a mechanic for the City of Minneapolis for over 36 years.

He was fortunate to see his dream come true this July when he got to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, family, and friends. Besides loving his family, Wally loved muscle cars. He sold his ‘70 Roadrunner to marry, but his favorite car was his ’66 Chevy Impala SS 427. He loved bowling, baseball, dancing, deer hunting in Lake of the Woods, watching westerns, Turner Classic movies, hamburgers, fries, chocolate, and going to Dunn Brothers. For a time, Wally held a real-estate license and enjoyed investing in real-estate. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and knowledge of music and history.

Wally will forever remain in the hearts of his beloved wife, Mary; their three beautiful children, Alicia (Karl) Myhre, Shane (Courtney), and Ryan (Kimberly); eight grandchildren, Astrid, Anders, & Mathias Myhre, Kaela Skiba & Avery Jacks, Colton, Arlo, & Remington Jacks; great-grandchild, Landon Carmeli; sisters, Kerrilin Bruther and Claudia Mattison; plus many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Claude Jacks; mother, Maude Jacks; brothers, Charles & Richard Jacks; sister, Stacia Jacks; twin sister, Cora Mayton; and great-nephew Troy McConnell.

The family is eternally grateful for Wally’s personal care attendant, Jessica Polinske, Lakeview Hospice, Senior Helpers of Stillwater, Hudson Counseling Services’ marathon meal train, and all of the people that listened and supported us over the years. 

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Road S, Afton, MN. Visitation will start at 2:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cure PSP, Mission MSA, your local foodbank, or favorite charity.