John Baggenstoss

John A. "Jack" Baggenstoss, age 75 of Albany, died Friday, January 4, 2013 at the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 8 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Michael Naughton, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Military Honors provided by the Albany American Legion and the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Seven Dolors Gathering Area in Albany. Parish prayers will be held at 4:30 followed by the Albany American Legion at 7 p.m. Monday evening at the gathering area.

A soldier died 4 January 2013. He served in the United States Air Force from 9 January 1955 to 8 January 1976. He had many tours including two to Vietnam and two to Taiwan.

Jack was born 21 September 1937 in Albany, MN to Jim and Tutz (Terres) Baggenstoss. He married Josephine (Terry) Wakefield on 3 October 1958 at the Base Chapel Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. After retiring in 1977 Jack and his family remained in Albany where he worked at Paul's Par-a-dice, Fingerhut, Albany Lumber and Home Center, Sand Mitchell Smith Inc., Frigidaire and Mitchell Przybilla Auction Company.

Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, watching many old movies over and over with his wife Terry, especially John Wayne, playing cards and his early morning trip to Albany Oil to have coffee with friends. Before Jack's illness he enjoyed many days hunting and fishing with family. Jack and Terry also loved to take a road trip to the casino where most of the time he said they were lucky.

Jack's memory is cherished by his sister, Jean (Bob) Kellerman a frequent visitor and comforter in his time of need. He will be remembered with respect and love by his children, Sheila (Dean) Mitchell of Albany, Rose Baggenstoss of Albany, Shirley (John) Kockler of Lacrosse, WI, Barbara (Don) Thompson of Hayfield, and John Baggenstoss, Jr. of Bismarck, ND; and grandchildren, Paul (Abbey) Mitchell, Alex Mitchell, Alyssa and Taylor Kockler, Brynlie Baggenstoss and Christopher Thompson; and aunts, uncles and cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Terry; parents; brother, Vern; sister, Mary; father and mother in-law; and grandson, David Thompson.

Our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mother of Mercy Nursing Home along with the residents who truly became Jack's extended family. Also thank you to the staff at the Albany Area Hospital, St. Cloud Hospital and Coborns Cancer Center for their wonderful care and love for Jack.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.