John "Jack" (Jack) Victor McLaughlin

John Victor “Jack” McLaughlin was born on July 2, 1927, in Marshall, to Frank and Elvera (Erickson) McLaughlin. He was baptized and confirmed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Jack served in the U.S. Army and Merchant Marines. After his service, he joined his father’s business. He later took over the business, McLaughlin & Schulz, a prominent local road contracting business. In 1961, Jack married the love of his life, Esther Schrunk. He helped to raise her five children and to this union was born daughter, Kellie. Family was most important to Jack. Over the years, he and Esther traveled widely. They enjoyed going to the lake with family and friends for many summers and Punta Gorda, FL, in the winter months. He enjoyed having family around, “the more the merrier.” Jack was also very involved in the community. He served on many corporate boards including the hospital, banks and the co-op. He was a generous supporter of hospice, the hospital, the new library, the YMCA, Holy Redeemer Church and School, and many other organizations. Jack was also an avid supporter of Southwest Minnesota State University which is located on previous McLaughlin farm land. Jack donated over 30 golf carts to various nursing homes and he served as a volunteer fire fighter. Jack enjoyed meeting friends most mornings at Mike’s Café. He never missed his regular meetings with friends at the Gambler, at their “Round Table of Wisdom and Knowledge.” Jack was an active member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where he typically attended daily mass. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Third and Fourth Degree. Jack died on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at his residence in Marshall, under the care of Prairie Home Hospice and surrounded by family. He is survived by his children Kathy (and Paul) Blad of Hector, MN, Sandra Albrecht of Ft. Collins, CO, Kellie (and Bryan) Julian of Marshall, grandchildren Jason, Suzanne, Karin, Kris, Jordan, Erin, Gretchen, Rachel, Sarah, Elizabeth, Chantel, and Shelby, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, sister-in-law Lynne McLaughlin, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther, parents Frank and Elvera, step-mother Elsie, children John Schrunk, Janet Salhus, Thomas McLaughlin, sons-in-law Richard Albrecht and Karl Salhus, brother Don McLaughlin and great-grandson Kory Salhus. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Prairie Home Hospice, Holy Redeemer School, or a charity of the donor’s choice.