Jack D. Mai

Jack Dale Mai, the son of Vernon and Margie (Wilson) Mai, was born September 20, 1948 at Russell, Kansas. He departed this life on Wednesday November 18, 2020 at Hoisington, Kansas at the age of 72 years 1 month and 29 days.

Jack’s early childhood was spent on the farm south of Russell, Kansas. 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 out with various chores on the farm. In 1959, when Jack was 10 ½ years old, the family packed up and moved from Russell to a farm north of Lebanon, Kansas. 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. He was a guard member of the 1st and 2nd Mag Platoon 169th Ordinance Company Ammo of Smith Center, Kansas. He completed his training at Fort Bliss, Texas (Fort Blister as Jack liked to call it), and Huntsville, Alabama. During his service, Jack earned several accommodations including Sharp Shooter Rifle. After seven years of service, he was released of active duty as an E-7 Sergeant First Class.

On September 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 nineteen 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 1990’s, he farmed and drove truck for his sister Dana and her husband Dave’s haying and trucking operations. During the early 2000’s, 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.

Jack was best known for his quick-witted sense of humor. Voted “most talkative” by his senior class, he could spark up a conversation with anyone and leave them in stitches. Jack enjoyed spending his free time outdoors. Whether it was pheasant hunting with the Texas hunters, deer hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, or spending time in Colorado as long as he was among family and friends he was happy. Over the course of his lifetime, Jack wore many hats, son, brother, soldier, dad, farmer, trucker, cowboy, head chef, friend, and his most favorite hat of all being Grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are sister Dana (Dave) Reicks of Hastings, NE, brother Joe (Kim) Mai of Red Cloud, NE, daughter Jackie (Sean) Duffy of Guide Rock, NE, daughter Leslee (Nathan) Knackstedt of Hoisington, KS, seven nieces and nephews and their families, five grandchildren including Brealynn, Emmalee, Octavius, Mannix, and Cameron Jack, other relatives, and a host of friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the facilities and staff that cared for Jack during his final months.

Graveside services were Monday, 1:00 pm, November 23, 2020 at the Red Cloud Cemetery with the Rev. Bonnie McCord officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone: 402-746-2500
Email:  williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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