Jack Lendacky

Jack Lawrence Lendacky

Jack Lawrence Lendacky, 96, of Hibbing died peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Guardian Angels Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Jack was born in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Hibbing on August 6, 1920, to Jacob and Mary (Kokincak) Lendacky, immigrants from Slovakia. He attended the Brooklyn and Lincoln (North Hibbing) schools, and high school in Floodwood, Minn. As a teen during the Great Depression, he participated in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CC Camps) to earn money to help support his family.

He married Ann Stilinovich, his childhood sweetheart, on August 9,1941.

Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and served for three and one-half years on the U.S.S. Medusa , the largest and most highly protected repair ship in the South Pacific Theatre during WWII. Even with heavy protection, the Medusa was fired upon by enemy planes. His ranks were Seaman First Class, Molder First Class and Gunnar Captain.

As a young man, he learned the plumbing trade from his uncle, Charles Sandor, and experience in the Medusa’s foundry enhanced his trade skills. Upon discharge from the navy, he worked as a plumber for many years, including the Hibbing General Hospital and the construction of Taconite plants on the Iron Range. In later years, he worked with his son, Joe, at L&S Plumbing in Hibbing.

Jack was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union 589, Slovak Lodge 500, the Knights of Columbus, charter member and Past Commander of VFW Post 8510, Hibbing Senior Men’s Golf and Senior Men’s Bowling League.

Jack was a kind and loving man. He loved his family, and was much loved in return. He is survived by his daughters, Rosalind (Robert) Whalen and Joan (Christopher) Cotton, his daughter-in-law Nona Lendacky, and his brother Lawrence (Betty) Lendacky; grandchildren, Therese (Brian) Dlugosch, Steven (Vivian) Whalen, Joseph (Robin) Lendacky,  Danielle Lendacky, Jacob (Ralista) Lendacky: great grandchildren  Mollianne, Joey, Jade, Colin, Sean, Drake, Ariana, Andrew, Sonia, and Khloe; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Ann, his wife of 74 1/2 years, son Joseph, his parents, brothers Steven, John and Fr. Joseph Lendacky of the Crosier Order, and an infant daughter.

Funeral services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hibbing on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 12 noon with visitation at the church one hour earlier.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Guardian Angels for their excellent attention during his stay.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home.  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com.