Obituary of John Leonard Huber

John Leonard Huber (aka Jack/Trader Jack) passed away January 1, 2025, peacefully at his home where he always wanted to be when the time came.

Jack was born on 7/6/1938 to Vernon and Marge (LaCombe) Huber in Minneapolis.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Roland and LeRoy.

Jack joined the USMC on his 17^th birthday in 1955.  He served 4 years, stationed MCRD in San Diego, CA, trained at Camp Pendleton, stationed at NAD in Hawaii for two years.  He returned to CA until his 4 years were completed.

After serving 4 years in the USMC he worked at Super value, Univac, hauled mobile homes to Canada, and eventually owned a Phillips 66 Station where he was an owner/operator as an auto mechanic. Later in life he got his brokers license and owned several real estate companies, while also becoming an owner/operator of Elm Creek Riding Stable.  Jack bought and sold homes in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, including Elk River and in Garrison.  He became an auctioneer and owned/operated a flea market in Garrison where several knew him as Trader Jack.

On 10/3/1998, he married Myrna Haaland.  They resided in Deerwood, MN building a quaint small town including a bank, chapel, blacksmith, saloon, mercantile and bunk house. Jack was a member of the Masons, Zurah Shrine and Zurah Horse Patrol.  During his time with the Shrine, he chaired the Shrine Circus in Minneapolis.  Jack was a life member of the Marine Corp League Heartland Detachment in Brainerd. Jack was also a life member of the Devil Dogs and  a member of the Caballero where he rode horseback for several years.  He, with his wife Myrna, chaired the Toys for Kids for several years, a non-profit run by the Marine Corp League which provides toys for hundreds of families and children in Southern Crow Wing Country.

Jack is survived by his wife of 26 years, Myrna Haaland, his 3 children; Kim Gerdes-King (Scott King), Cheryl Balego (Mark Lange), and Jonathon Huber (Amber Dahl).  He is also survived by 4 grandchildren; Chris Grandner (Nicole Wostrel), Molly Grandner, Haley Balego DC, and Mckenzie Balego DDS (Carter Schrippe), and 3 great grandchildren; Cylis, Jaxon and Stella.

There will be a celebration of life at his home in Deerwood at a later date with military honors.