Jack Block

Jack Raymond Block, age 97, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, 11/18/2024.

Jack was born January 11,1927, to John and Avis Block (Mulholland) in rural Rochester, MN. As a young farmboy, his early years were spent helping his dad and older sister, Anita, with chores and crops, plowing and working the fields with a team of strong horses to get the job done. Then as a young teen he worked tirelessly as a farm hand for several neighboring farmers. Jack, along with all of his country friends, loved to dance. Many evenings were spent on those wooden floors dusted just right with dance wax, perfecting his waltz, polka, foxtrot and schottisch steps. One evening at the old Armory on North Broadway, Jack met a lovely and charming young lady named Margie, and found his life-long dance partner. On June 8, 1946 Jack was united in marriage to Marjorie Jorgenson, and together they raised their 5 children in Rochester. He then worked at Mayowood Farms for several years, after which he began his 37-year career with Mayo Clinic as an animal technician.

Jack treasured the friendships that he made throughout his youth and working career, and all the good times shared with friends and family. Jack and Marge loved traveling throughout the US and Canada in their motorhome, salmon snagging in Algoma, Wisconsin, snowmobiling with friends, walleye fishing up north, and especially attending Saturday night old time dances at the Pla Mor Ballroom and the Eagles Club, and weekend polka fests in the area. Oh, how they loved to dance!

For Jack, hunting was more than just a hobby. It was a passion. He and his hunting buddies spent countless hours planning their trips, whether it was a journey to Colorado elk hunting, deer hunting up north, or pheasant hunting in southeast Minnesota. There was always a hunt to look forward to.

Jack is survived by his children, Nancy (Gary) Pike, Bonnie (Ron) Stevenson, Ellen (Bob) Warda, David Block, and Galen (Sheryl) Block. His eleven grandchildren are Colin Pike, Jenna Pike, Holly Jones, Tracey Fogarty, Sara Miles, Allison Russell, Andrew Block, Olivia Block, Alex Block, Katherine Block, and Evan Block. Great-grandchildren include Alesha, Michaela, Samuel, Aubrey, Emma, Abby, Ayva, Maya, Ethan, Aiden, Logan, Emmett R, Owen, Jackson, Christian, Emmett B, Evelyn, Austin and great-great-grandchildren Brian, Mason, Navy and Kairo.

He is preceded in death by Marjorie, his wife of 76 years, his parents, sisters Anita Hasley and Donna Pike Kramer, brothers Russell Block and Robert Block, and granddaughter Erin Pike.

There will be a private graveside service at Grandview Memorial Gardens and a Celebration of Life in the late spring.

Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Block family.