A Memorial Mass to honor the life and legacy of John "Jack" Walsh, age 79, of Jackson, will be held Friday, July 10th, at 11:00 AM at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Jackson, with a time of visitation and gathering from 9:30 to 11 AM. Burial will be in Good Shepherd Cemetery in Jackson.

John "Jack" Joseph Walsh was born on January 1, 1947, in Austin, Minnesota, to Francis and Nellie Josephine (Degrave) Walsh. He was baptized at Queen of Angels Church in Austin, where he also attended elementary school. He went on to graduate from Pacelli High School.

Jack was an exceptional athlete, and attended the University of Minnesota, where he proudly played football for the Golden Gophers, wearing jersey #62 from 1965 to 1970. He graduated in 1970 and later went on to earn his Master of Education degree.

On June 22, 1974, Jack was united in marriage to Leslie Norton in Algona, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their children, Eric and Lisa, in Jackson.

Jack dedicated 36 years of his life to education, working for the Jackson School District. He began his career teaching physical education from 1970 to 1980 and spent the next 26 years as a devoted Learning Disability teacher at Riverside Elementary until his retirement in June 2006. Beyond the classroom, Jack shared his passion for athletics by serving as a football and track coach, and he contributed to his community as a member of the local Park Board.

Jack was a man of many interests. He loved sports, woodworking, and camping. He was also an avid card and game player who spent many happy hours playing Canasta and rolling dice with family and friends.

John passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, at Good Samaritan Society in Jackson.

Left to cherish Jack's memory is his loving wife of 52 years, Leslie Walsh of Jackson; his two children and their spouses, Eric (Stephanie) Walsh of Burnsville, MN, and Lisa (David) Lorentz of Alexandria, MN; and three grandchildren, Makenna Warner, and Adley and Brynn Lorentz. He is also survived by his brother, Tom (Judy) Walsh of Red Wing, MN; and sisters-in-law, Lynne Barta, and Siri Hartsfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Nellie Walsh; and his in-laws, Dick and Cecile Ann Norton.