John "Jack" Laudenbach

John "Jack" Laudenbach, age 80, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2023 under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and the staff at Perham Living.

Jack was the son of Michael & Mildred Laudenbach born on August 30, 1943 in Grand Rapids, MN. He grew up in Grand Rapids graduating from High School in 1961, where he lettered in both football and hockey. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 31, 1961 and served on the USS Tallahatchie County as a medic until his discharge on September 1, 1965.

He returned to Grand Rapids and started his 37-year career at Blandin Paper Company, retiring as a Shift Superintendent on the A Crew. He spoke often about his years at the Mill and fondly about the people he worked with.

On August 18, 1967 he married the love of his life, Myrna Kaye Gooch and they enjoyed life together for 42 years until her death in 2009. Upon marriage, Jack became Dad to Myrna's three sons, who he loved very much and raised as his own. Two more sons were added in 1970 and 1974.

Along with working at the Mill, Jack was a builder, building four homes for his family, a family cabin on Sand Lake, helping his sons with their homes, many decks, screen porches and small remodels for friends and family with lunch and coffee as payment.

Upon retirement he enjoyed hunting and fishing when he could, mowing grass at the cabin and keeping things in working order. He was also an exceptional cribbage player who enjoyed counting everyone's hand before they could.

He is remembered by his five sons, Rick (Dawn) Magnusen of Grand Rapids,MN, Duane (Patty Dowling) Magnusen of Nashwauk, MN, Dan (Corina) Magnusen of Fargo, ND, Chris (Rachel) Laudenbach of Perham, MN, Eric (Jessie Finke) Laudenbach of Calumet, MN; his 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; his brother, Bob (Darlene) Laudenbach of Grand Rapids, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Also, his good friends, Ted & Arlene Jarvis who helped to keep his cribbage skills sharp.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Myrna in 2009; his parents, Mike & Mildred; his siblings, Mary Chambers, Lucille Johnson, Don Laudenbach, and infant brother, Tommy Laudenbach; and in-laws, Roger & Clarice Gooch.

Upon his request there will be a private graveside service at Wildwood Cemetery in Cohasset, MN at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of Perham Living and the Hospice of the Red River Valley for the love and care they provided Jack in his last days.