Date of Birth:
Sunday, January 9, 1938
Date of Death:
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Age:
87 years old

James R. “Jack” Dempsey

James R. “Jack” Dempsey, age 87, of Rochester, MN (formerly of Marshall, MN), passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025.

Jack was born on January 9, 1938, in Adrian, Michigan, to Ralph and Ruth (Libs) Dempsey. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit in 1960. The following year, Jack joined the United States Air Force. He was first assigned to Indiana University to study Russian, then served tours in Germany and Turkey.

While at Indiana University, Jack met the love of his life, Beverly “Bev” Stayback. They were married on May 28, 1966, in LaPorte, Indiana. After completing his military service, Jack began a career in insurance with Northwestern Mutual. Six years later, he joined Tony’s Frozen Pizza, a division of Schwan’s Sales, and moved to Boise, Idaho, where he helped establish sales routes in Idaho and Oregon. Later, he worked in Schwan’s New England Division as Sales Coordinator and Director of Training & Safety.

In 1978, Jack and his family settled in Marshall, Minnesota, where he became Purchasing Agent for Schwan’s Home Service Division. He worked with the company for 25 years before retiring.

Jack was a man of faith and service. He was active in several parishes over the years—serving on the Parish Council at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, MN, and later on the Education Advisory Committee at Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Marshall. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and a strong advocate for pro-life causes.

Jack is lovingly remembered by his wife, Bev Dempsey; his children, Karen (Tegan) Andler of Crystal, MN, and Brian (Kelley) Dempsey of Rochester, MN; grandchildren Kellen Andler, Nolan Andler, Donavan Matesky, and Cassandra Sabol; and great-grandchildren Autumn Matesky and Emberlynn Matesky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruth; his infant sister, Catherine; and his grandson, Hayden Dempsey.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall on Saturday, June 14, at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps will take place outside the church, with a luncheon to follow in Carlin Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to the Holy Redeemer School Foundation by calling (507-532-6642).

Please join us in celebrating Jack’s life and memory.