Obituary of John W. Jaglo

John (Jack) W. Jaglo died on November 26, 2023 at age 81. 

 

Jack was born July 22, 1942, in Minneapolis to Ruth (Norrgard) and Bill Jaglo, younger brother to Kay.  He grew up in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, where he enjoyed being a member of his dad’s Boy Scout troop, running track, biking, swimming and visiting the local dump for treasures. He and Chris met when he was in 11^th and she was in 8^th grade. He was best friends with her older brother, Ed. Jack graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1960.

 

Jack was meant to be a teacher. He attended the University of Minnesota main campus and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science education in 1964. His first teaching job was in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. 

 

Jack and Chris eloped in 1966, and soon after, Jack began his long career in Richfield Public schools.  He taught ninth grade science for the first half of his career and high school chemistry for the second half.  Jack took a year off teaching in 1969 to get his master’s degree from the University of North Dakota Grand Forks. He and Chris also expanded their family in 1969 when Jason was born. Kirsten later joined the mix in 1971.

 

Jack was a beloved science teacher in Richfield and was known for adding his sense of humor to his lessons, known as “groaning PUNishment” to many.  His tests and quizzes always included questions using the confused, imaginary lab partners, “Poindexter and Petunia.”

 

In addition to teaching, Jack was also a track and cross-country coach at the Richfield schools.  He was appreciated for building deep and meaningful relationships with team members and coaches and for conducting organized, on time meets.  One of the many highlights of his coaching was when one of his runners, Steve Holman, competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.  After retirement, Jack continued to officiate both high school and university meets, maintaining his connections and supporting athletes.

 

Jack had a wide range of interests and hobbies. It could truthfully be said that he never sat still. He is known for his black and white 35mm photography, including developing and printing photos in his darkroom, mat cutting and picture frame making.  Although Jack had always worked in his woodshop to creatively build cabinetry and remodel, his most recent love was the lathe.  He turned wonderful bowls which he gave to friends and family.  He was known for looking at friends’ firewood piles for new material and he occasionally followed tree trimmers for handouts.

 

Jack remained an athlete for life. Even with Parkinson’s, he continued to move until the very end.  He enjoyed walking, biking, swimming, bocce ball, and water aerobics. Jack’s love of athletics was passed down to his kids and eventually his grandkids, as did his lessons of how to be both a good winner and a good loser after a race.

 

Jack enjoyed cultural activities, traveling and experiencing new cultures, especially when he was with family or friends. Chris and Jack (and the kids, when they were younger) traveled extensively in the United States and abroad. Memorable museums include Canada’s Potato Museum and England’s Pencil Museum. Go figure.

 

Once the kids were grown, Chris and Jack were a dynamic duo, constantly doing things together including enjoying museums, theatre, travel, house remodeling, music and being with friends.

 

Jack believed strongly in the importance of civic duty. He was active in the Linden Hills community where he and Chris lived in the same house for over 50 years.  He was an early Food Co-op board member, served on the Linden Hills council, taught photography at Minneapolis Southwest Community School, was a block captain and a great neighbor and friend with lots of tools to share. 

 

One of the most important things in Jack’s life was his family. He welcomed both his son-in-law, Mike, and daughter-in-law, Kellee, into his family in addition to his three grandsons, Jackson, Xavier and Felix. His pride in his family and grandchildren was evident, especially when they shared his enthusiasm for the darkroom and woodshop.  The basement was always a busy place for family, and Jack loved sharing his skills to help or educate. It’s amazing what kids can do with a piece of wood, a handful of nails, wood glue and duct tape.  Add paint and you have something sorta memorable.

 

Jack was also of the belief that family was not limited to those who are related to you. Jack was happy to play the role of father, uncle, grandpa or just trusted advisor to anyone who needed a friendly ear or could use a little extra help. Jack lived his life according to what his father taught him as a boy: leave things in better shape than when you found them.

 

 

In lieu of flowers (Chris is allergic), we would be honored if you would donate to:

 

The Food Group     thefoodgroupmn.org

The Parkinson Foundation   Parkinsons.org