John "Jack" Morency

John (Jack) B. Morency, 87, of Red Wing, MN died on Friday January 8, 2021 of natural causes, at BayView Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Red Wing, MN.

John Bernard Morency was born on June 28, 1933 in Cohasset, MN to Axel and Lena (Lemmens) Morency. He grew up in Cohasset, graduating from Grand Rapids H.S in 1951. He served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956. He attended Bemidji State University earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education and later earned his Master’s Degree in Elementary Administration. He was married on August 3, 1979 in Bemidji to Shirley Anderson. Following their marriage the couple lived in Bemidji before moving to Red Wing, MN in 1991, where they continued to make their home.  John was employed as a 4th grade teacher, band instructor, special education teacher and acting Principal in the Ponemah, MN School District for a number of years until his retirement.  After his retirement he worked at Treasure Island Casino in Red Wing.  Shirley was a homemaker and was employed at Beltrami County Nursing Home.  He enjoyed traveling in their small RV around the country.  John loved playing his trumpet at veterans’ funerals and Memorial Day services for the Legions in Bemidji and Red Wing.  He enjoyed music and reading historical books and loved time spent with family on holidays and special occasions.                        

John is survived by his wife of 41 years, Shirley; a sister Mary Lou; a son John; step-children Susan (Marti) Oeltjen and David Anderson; step-grandchildren Jeremiah Oeltjen, Jennifer Oeltjen,  and Joseph (Nikki) Oeltjen; step-great-grandchildren Emili Tebay, Angela Oeltjen, Patience Putzier, Payton Oeltjen, and Wyatt Oeltjen. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, his brothers Adelorde and Theadore, and a sister Elizabeth.                                         

Due to public health concerns no visitation or services will be held at this time. A private family burial with military graveside honors will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN.  Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of John are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John "Jack" Morency, please visit our floral store.