Jack Bailey

John “Jack” Bailey was born on January 1, 1936, in Marshall, MN, the sixth of eight children in the family of Fred and Agatha (Gappa) Bailey. Jack grew up in Marshall and in 1954 graduated from Central Catholic High School. Jack enrolled at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in chemistry. His college years were put on hold while he spent two years in the Army. In his youth, along with holding down many jobs, he excelled in athletics. Jack was a Minnesota Catholic All State football player and was the starting center on his state tournament basketball team. Along with being an exceptionally good student, he was very industrious working and paying his way through college. While attending the University of Minnesota, he enjoyed attending sporting events and was a huge University of Minnesota Gopher fan. After graduation, Jack spent most of his professional career in medical sales selling ultrasound equipment.

On August 30, 1958, Jack married his high school sweetheart Katherine “Pam” Anderson in Franklin, MN. The couple moved to the Twin Cities and raised their three sons Scott, Curt, and David (who had special needs) in Bloomington.

Jack was friendly, kind, and well liked. If you did not like Jack, you probably did not like anyone. Jack and his son David had a special relationship – David was his dad’s little buddy, and they would go on many adventures together. Jack was a prolific storyteller and could deliver a joke with the best of them. He had a strong faith and was an active member of the Catholic Church. Jack died on Sunday, October 13, 2024, in Alexandria, MN, where he and Pam had settled in retirement to be close to David’s group home. He is survived by his wife, Pam; sons: Scott (Mary Kay), Curt (significant other Sue), David; six grandsons: Ryan (Brittany), Michael (Kacey,) John (Julie), Daniel (Mikayla), Kevin (Becca), Kyle (Emily); ten great grandchildren.

There will be a private family service in Alexandria and a burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials should be directed to David’s group home, Synstelien Community Services, 128 E Meadowlark Ln, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.