John "Jack" Crawford

1936 - 2026

Owatonna - John "Jack" Fredrick Crawford, age 89, of Owatonna, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026. He was born at home near Blackduck, Minnesota, Beltrami County, on May 15, 1936, to John W. and Inez (Dickison) Crawford. As a young boy, he explored the woods, lakes and streams surrounding his home. He learned to hunt and fish at a very young age, passions that lasted a lifetime. At age 12, the family moved to a home on Sauk Lake, Sauk Centre, MN. Money for bait and fishing lures was earned from a paper route and, later, employment at a local drug store. Jack played football, was crowned Homecoming King, and graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1954. He spent his freshman year at Luther College, Decorah, IA, and also worked part-time as a meat cutter at a grocery store. He enjoyed the trade and decided to pursue it full-time. He was employed by Red Owl and worked at several stores in west central Minnesota.

In 1956, life changed. He was involved in a tragic car accident, which left him a paraplegic. He spent nine months at Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis receiving care, rehab, and training to face life with a disability.

He returned to Luther College, graduating in May of 1960. A week later, he married Helen Marie Machacek, a polio survivor, whom he met at Sister Kenny. They settled in Minneapolis and a job search began. Many months of job opportunities and interviews ended in denials due to his disability. It was the darkest time of his life! Then, contact was made with an advisor at Luther College, who suggested that he contact Federated Insurance in Owatonna. He was hired and spent his entire career with the company, working in Group Insurance and later, in Life Underwriting, assisting in establishing this new division of Federated. He retired in 1992, after 31 years of service.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday School, was church treasurer, and served on the Board of Trustees. In spring and fall, many weeks were spent walleye fishing on Black Duck Lake and, in winter, ice fishing on Mille Lacs. Jack and several friends purchased acreage near Black Duck for deer hunting. He also enjoyed duck, grouse, pheasant, and turkey hunting.

Jack's artistic talent produced wood carvings and wildlife acrylic paintings.

Jack and Helen enjoyed winters in Arizona and purchased a home in Mesa. He participated in shuffleboard, poker, and billiards. In October 2000, Jack was granted a license to hunt elk in New Mexico. Helen accompanied him, traveling from Mesa, AZ to Cloudcroft, NM; elevation 9,000 ft. While there, Helen became ill and succumbed to lung and heart issues. They were married 40 years.

In 2002, Jack met Diane Schmeling. They were married on October 11, 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. They continued to winter in AZ and enjoyed life at Morehouse Place in Owatonna. He was a member of the Elks, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. He also served as a Big Brother for several years.

Jack is survived by his wife, Diane; brothers-in-law, Evan (Linda) Schmeling and Alan (Sue) Schmeling; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen; parents, John and Inez; parents-in-law, Emil and Mary Machacek and Glenn and Esther Schmeling; brothers-law, Ray (Florence) Machacek and Myles (Cecilia) Nachacek; and sisters-in-laws, Marion Schmeling and Lorna Schmeling.

Jack accomplished much "from the chair". When questioned about his circumstances, he was always quick to reply, "you can choose to be resentful the rest of your life or take what life hands you and move on".

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. An additional visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of service. Interment will be at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Lonsdale.