John Walsh

WALSH
John E. "Jack"
Age 86, of Somerset, WI, passed away peacefully September 27, 2018.
Preceded in death by parents, Earl and Hildegard; sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Ray O'Shaughnessy; brother-in-law, Robert "Bud" Grady and son-in-law, Steve Pasell.

Survived by daughters, Laura (Rob) Rydberg, Julie Pasell, Jackie (Jeff) Brenizer, and Kathie (Tim) Struemke; grandchildren, Zane and Grace VonHoltum, Nolan (Karlie), Shelby and Marcus Pasell, Alicia (Leo) Vedder, AJ (Grace) Walsh-Brenizer and Beau Brenizer, Kaitlyn, Jackson, Allison, and Shealyn Struemke; great-grandchildren, Kenzie, Kaylie and Kyler Pasell, Kai Nevaeh and Ana Vedder; siblings Donna Grady, Mike (Jane) Walsh, Tom (Jeanette) Walsh, Maureen (Mike) Hessler and Greg (Sue Carlson) Walsh; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Jack was born April 27, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Earl and Hildegard. He grew up on the East Side of St. Paul, attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Cretin High School in 1950. He went on active duty in the Air Force in 1951, and he was released within the year on dependency discharge after the death of his father. He returned home to assist his mother in caring for his six younger siblings. In 1954 he reenlisted in the Air Force and completed service in 1956. He graduated from St. Thomas College in 1959, then from William Mitchell College of Law in 1964.

Jack's ambition was evident at a young age. He started working in 6th grade with a morning paper route. Shortly after, he began setting pins at the bowling alley, working double alley, double shift. He started at 3M as a sophomore in high school and continued until 1965. As an attorney, he was a Minnesota Public Defender for 28 years and in private practice in Stillwater for over 50 years.

In addition to his career, Jack had many other interests: St. Paul Club figure skater, golfer, A.A. member, equine law instructor at UW-River Falls, farmer and horseman. In the early years, he owned and cared for a herd that grew to over 80 quarter horses. With the opening of Canterbury Downs in 1985, he switched to thoroughbreds. He has contributed to the racing industry for over 30 years as an owner, breeder, and representative to the horsemen both individually and as a Board Member and President of the HBPA. For these contributions, he was inducted into the Canterbury Park Hall of Fame in 2018.

Jack loved and took great pride in his family. He and Gail raised their four girls in the home they built in Somerset. "Grandpa Jack" was a boisterous fan, rarely missing his grandchildren's sporting events or activities. He will be remembered as a sharp-witted, charming straight shooter: a friend to most everyone he encountered. He will be greatly missed by his family and huge network of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, October 4, 2018, 11:00 A.M. at ST. ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 141 Church Hill Road, Somerset, WI. Interment St. Anne Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, October 3, 2018, 4:00-8:00 P.M. at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater. Memorials are preferred to donor's choice.