John (Jack) Myrann

Phoenix - It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of John A. Jack Myrann. He succumbed to congestive heart failure surrounded by his wife, daughters, and granddaughters as he drew his final breaths on the morning of April 23rd, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father Eiven Olson Myrann (Norwegian immigrant), mother Hetty Isadora Nelsen Myrann (first generation of Danish immigrants), brothers Albert, Robert, Wesley, and sisters Eleanor Myrann, Lois Howard, Bonnie Strouckel, and Carolyn Carson.

Jack was born on June 19, 1934 in Tolstoy, South Dakota; rode a horse to and from elementary school, and graduated from Cresbard High School in South Dakota (where he was a bit of a sports legend). He served in the United States Army stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ.

After serving his country, he was employed by General Dynamics where he instructed A102 and A106 pilots and mechanics in aircraft maintenance and repair. His brother Bob's wife introduced him to Rita Werling and after a short courtship, they were married on July 7, 1962 in Tiffin, Ohio. Their life was full of adventure as the traveling began: California, Goose Bay Labrador, Tennessee, Idaho, North Dakota, Iceland, and Long Island, New York. These were fun-filled days when free time was spent outdoors hunting, fishing, improving his golf game and the arrival of two little girls.

Airresearch was the next stint as Jack mastered turbine engines for small planes. During this time he also earned the name "Mr. Fix-it" as he could repair anything that broke at home and almost anywhere he went. After training in San Diego and Phoenix, he was off and running to Wichita, Kansas; Frankfurt Germany; Phoenix, Arizona; Cairo, Egypt; Okinawa, Japan; and Taichung, Taiwan. Transitions were often difficult, but the adventures never stopped. His family enjoyed seeing the world and living in a multitude of cultures.

Retirement in Phoenix and Showlow meant time for traveling around his own beloved country with Rita, golf several times a week and fishing excursions to Alaska and Mexico. He also took time to mentor fellow life travelers and was overjoyed with the pitter patter of little feet when his granddaughters arrived.

Jack is deeply missed by family and friends as his impact on others was profound. He was the last of his generation, survived by his wife Rita of 62 years, his two daughters Jacque and Chelle, and two grandchildren Monica and Andrea and many, many nieces and nephews, their children and children's children.

Burial will be held at the National Cemetery (23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024) at 2:30 Friday, May 17th. The Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 Saturday, May 18th at Holy Spirit Church's Hanley Hall 1800 East Libra Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley.