Jack (Joseph) Banke

Jack (Joseph) John Banke

Died November 6, 2018, 11 days short of his 90th birthday.
He was born in Minneapolis to Joe and Stella (Beasy) Banke. He spent

most summers with his grandparents in Hibbing and eventually went

to high school in Hibbing - Class 1945.

After high school, Jack served in the US Army in Korea at the end of WWII.

Jack graduated from the University of MN College of Engineering and

married Lois Wherland in 1950. He completed his military service with

the Department of the Navy in Washington D.C.

In 1952 they moved back to Hibbing and helped start Matthews Engineering.

During the lean years of starting the company, he also worked for 2 years at

Pickands Mather in Duluth. He dedicated 21 years to Matthews Engineering.
In 1973 he was asked to manage the $300 million expansion of Eveleth

Taconite. He then became the general manager of iron ore operations there

until his retirement. In 1986 he went back to work at Matthews Engineering

for 6 years until Barr Engineering bought the company, and then he retired

for good.

Jack’s life was filled with passions, activities, and friendships. He and Lois

raised three daughters, spending the school year in Hibbing and summers

at Side Lake. He loved flying airplanes; he never missed a season of duck

hunting.  Many times he said, “They can make the limit zero, just don’t

close the season.” In addition to these passions, he enjoyed walleye

fishing, deer hunting, pheasant hunting, sailing, golfing, cribbage,

curling, snowmobiling, traveling, racquetball, morning coffee, and social

activities with his many friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Lois of 52 years and his infant

daughter Patty. Survived by Noel (Rod Stensrud), Julie (Joe Pine),

Lesa (Bob Brandt); seven grandchildren Greta (Trevor), Abby (Scott),

Ross, Becca (Ryan), Lizzie, Allison (Aron), and Maddie;

and two great-grandchildren Adeline and Hugh.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Side Lake EMT, Side Lake

Chapel, or Salvation Army.

Memorial Service Saturday November 24, Blessed Sacrament Church

in Hibbing at 11:00, a.m.   Visitation will be one 1 hour prior.