Jack E. Ikel

Jack Ernest Ikel was born February 14, 1929 in Waubun, Minnesota. On May 7, 2004, his family surrounded him as he peacefully paved the way to heaven for the rest of us. His life was filled with family and friends.He spent his youth and was educated in Minnesota then joined Cook Sign Company in 1945. He married Helen Erickson on August 5, 1948 at Olivet Lutheran Church of Fargo, North Dakota. He entered the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1951 Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1961 reaching the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1960 he joined National Laboratories, headquartered in Montvale, NJ, where he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager and retired in 1991. Civic memberships include the American Legion and a Life Member of the Elks Club. Jack was an avid sportsman, loving softball star pitcher on several Minnesota State Championship teams, golf, fishing and hunting marksman.His parents, Emil and Anne; brothers, Alfred and Bob; and sister Irene Daker preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 55 years, Helen, of Mesa, AZ; sons, Robert Laura of Dallas, TX, and Kevin Sandra of Houston, TX; daughter, Vyanne Don Laustrup of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Avrey and Nathan Ikel and Anna Laustrup; brother Arnie Ikel; sisters, Vivian Larsen and Lorelei Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.Our sincere thanks for all the cards, calls, visits, support and prayers. A special thanks to Cormorant Lutheran Church for your support of our husband and father during his life.In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Cormorant Lutheran Church Women.