Jack Mai

Jack Dale Mai, 72, the son of Vernon and Margie (Wilson) Mai, was born Sept. 20, 1948, at Russell. He died last Wednesday at Hoisington.

Jack’s early childhood was on a farm south of Russell. He attended Mulberry Country Schoolhouse for the first five years of elementary education and Sunday School at the Methodist church in Russell. When he wasn’t in school, he helped his folks with various farm chores. In 1959, the family moved to a farm north of Lebanon.

Jack attended school at Lebanon where he was an active member of the FFA. In 1966, only one month after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard Reserve during the peak of the Vietnam War.

During his service, Jack earned several commendations including Sharp Shooter Rifle. After seven years of service, he was released of active duty as an E-7 Sergeant First Class.

On Sept. 19, 1970, Jack married Marilyn Kugler at the Womer Church northwest of Lebanon. They made their home on the Stone’s homestead just down the road from the Mount Hope Church. Born to this union were two daughters, Jackie and Leslee. Jack and Marilyn shared 19 years of marriage.

Jack farmed alongside his dad as well as having his own ground. On the farm they raised wheat, milo, alfalfa, oats, sheep, hogs, Angus and Hereford cattle, and Basset Hounds. Vernon taught Jack how to weld and together they could fix or make anything on the farm. In 1972, Jack persuaded his dad to start a custom harvesting operation. Over the next decade, the family traveled from Texas to North Dakota cultivating many lifelong friendships along the way.

After his parents retired and sold their farm in 1987, Jack continued to farm with Darrel Hubbard. During the 1990s, he farmed and drove truck for his sister, Dana, and her husband Dave’s haying and trucking operations. During the early 2000s, Jack drove for various other trucking outfits before finally buying his own truck and forming Midwest Express Trucking Company. He said he would drive anywhere except over the Rocky Mountains, and he’d leave that for his brother Joe.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Dave Reicks (Dana) of Hastings, brother, Joe Mai of Red Cloud; daughters, Mrs. Sean Duffy (Jackie) of Guide Rock and Mrs. Nathan Knackstedt (Leslee) of Hoisington; and five grandchildren including Brealynn, Emmalee, Octavius, Mannix, and Cameron Jack.

A graveside funeral was held Monday at the Red Cloud Cemetery with the Rev. Bonnie McCord officiating.

The Williams Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.