John “Jack” Matthew Mortrude
March 2, 1936 ~ March 4, 2018
Jack Mortrude, 82, Brandon, died Sunday, March 4, 2018, at home after a recent struggle with health issues.
Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Heartland Funeral Home, followed by Military honors. Visitation with the Mortrude family will begin at Noon.
John (Jack) Matthew Mortrude was born March 2, 1936, in Sioux Falls, SD to Melvin and Madeline (Johnson) Mortrude. He was raised in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School. Jack attended and graduated from the University of South Dakota. While in college, he served three years with the South Dakota Air National Guard.
A businessman from the very beginning, Jack purchased and ran a Chamberlain hardware store shortly after college. That is where he met the love of his life, Delores Goodman. The couple married on June 26, 1966. Jack went on to own several Montgomery Ward catalog stores. Once that chain closed, he opened a JC Penney store while running a travel agency. Upon his retirement, he and Delores moved to Brandon. Never one to be idle, Jack decided to work during retirement, and was employed full-time in guest services at Sioux Valley Hospital.
Jack and Delores had three children, Diane, Wayne, and Todd. Jack loved to hunt and fish, and shared his love of nature with his family. He grew up going to Pickerel Lake, and later took his family to spend summers in the family’s cabin. Fishing in Canada with his friends was a favorite vacation; he often flew his own plane there. Jack loved to travel. When he and Delores were first married, they traveled through many of the states and parts of Canada by motorcycle. They later toured with their camper in tow and eventually took bus trips. Through the end of their journeys, they visited most of the United States and were able to visit London and Malta. An amateur photographer, Jack loved to take pictures of scenery and wildlife during their travels.
Jack was an avid sports fan, and cheered primarily for Minnesota teams. If it had to do with a ball, he was watching or listening on the radio. Never discouraged by new technology, Jack could not get enough gadgets and toys. He even embraced new smart-home technology, and enjoyed his Alexa device at home.
Jack will be deeply missed by his wife, Delores; three children, Diane (Brian) Eide, Brandon, Wayne (Kim), Dell Rapids, and Todd, Brandon; eight grandchildren, Trace, Ariel, Talynn, Bel, Camryn, Seth, Zoe, and John; and several nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and three siblings, Wayne, Lee Anne and Marilyn.
RIP Jack the memories of Pickerel Lake and time spent with you and your family will always be in our hearts. Delores, know you will be in my prayer.
Dear Family–
My Mom (Lois Christianson Herbert) and Lee Anne were roommates and friends at South Dakota State. Many visits were spent with the Mortrude family in Sioux Falls. As the years went by, my folks stayed in touch with Lee Anne and the Mortrude Family. My folks talked about their visits with Jack, especially after Lee Anne’s passing and how they enjoyed their visits. So, on behalf of my family, know that the many years do not separate friendships and memories. My sympathy to all of you!
Jeff Herbert (Sioux Falls)