Jack Colwell

A memorial service was held July 20 at the Good News Community Church in Okoboji for Jack Colwell, 83, who passed away July 4 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.

Pastor John Messer officiated.

Jack Colwell was born on March 17, 1926 in Gowrie to Ray and Rachel Colwell. He graduated from Cherokee High School in 1944 and enlisted in the navy. He served on the destroyer, "The USS Stanly" in the Pacific. While serving, he saw combat engagements near 29 different islands including the Philippines, the invasion of Leyte, Mindoro and Luzon as well as the battle of Iwo Jima among others.

After the war's end, Jack attended college at Buena Vista in Storm Lake, married Delores Kannegieter, and they had two children: Jackie and Kelly. They made their home mostly in the Spirit Lake area where Jack worked as a local artist, golf professional, grounds' keeper and course designer. Among the many golf courses he designed are Indian Hills and Okoboji View in the Lakes area. In his retirement years, Jack enjoyed being a ranger at Okoboji View and assisted as a volunteer coach for the Spirit Lake High School Girls' Golf Team. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren, as well as all of his family and friends.

Surviving are his children, Jackie Mason and her husband Mike and Kelly Colwell and his wife Nancy; grandchildren, Allison Welter and her husband Justin, Patrick Mason, Lauren Mason, Stephanie Colwell and Ashley Colwell. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Christensen and her husband Joe, Sally Bevington and Mary Minkler and her husband Lyle; brother-in-law, Chuck Shorey; several nieces and nephews and many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bill Colwell, sister, Betty Shorey, brothers-in-law, Arlo Fox and Jim Bevington.

Memorial funds will be directed to establish a memorial at Okoboji View Golf course in Jack's name.

Turner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.