John H. "Jack" Wilkes

1939 - 2025

John "Jack" Henry Wilkes, age, 85, of Maple Grove, MN, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025.

Born on May 21, 1939, in St. Cloud, MN, Jack was the son of Alphonse and Florence Wilkes. He grew up in South Minneapolis and graduated from DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis.

Jack married the love of his life, Jeanne Halsey, on May 9, 1959, and together they raised their family in Maple Grove. Their 65 years of marriage was a testament to the enduring love and partnership they shared. Jack worked for Honeywell as a group leader for many years, and after his retirement, he enjoyed delivering papers for the Osseo Press.

An avid golfer and bowler, Jack was known for his impressive skill on the course, having hit five hole-in-ones throughout his life. He also loved the challenge of a good game of cribbage, crossword puzzles, and cards. A dedicated Minnesota sports fan, Jack cheered passionately for the Vikings, Twins, and Gophers. He had a sweet tooth for Sunkist orange pop and non-pareils candy, and he enjoyed reading the newspaper, listening to music, and watching movies. A "numbers guy" at heart, Jack had an analytical mind that made him a joy to converse with on almost any topic.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Jeanne; his children, Mark (Karen Mortensen), Julie (Jim) Roberts, Sandra (Jack) Day, Peter (Pamela), Patrick (Kristin), and Jason (Barbara); his beloved grandchildren, Stephanie, Erin (Jeffrey), Chloe, Camille (David), Kyle (Julia), Elyse, Tristan, Carter, Devan, Ashley, Shane, Alexa (Andrew), Dasante, and Damien; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Charlie, Zoey, Ellie, Henry, and Remy. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy (Frank) Miller and Mary Jo (Phil Huch) Martinson; his sisters-in-law, Marianne Peterson, Sharon Auger, and Linda Wilkes; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Florence Wilkes; his brother, Jerry Wilkes; his father-in-law, Everett Halsey; his mother-in-law, Rosemary Halsey; and his brothers-in-law, Mike Halsey, Tom Halsey, John Halsey, Bernie Peterson, Dick Auger, and Tom Martinson.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church (7180 Hemlock Lane N, Maple Grove, MN 55369), with visitation an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jack's honor to St. Jude’s or The American Cancer Society.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff of floors 6A and 7A at North Memorial in Robbinsdale for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Jack's medical treatment.

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