Jack was born June 7, 1942, in Fairmont, Minn., the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Noble) Mackey. He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1960 and attended Thief River Falls Vocational School to study aircraft mechanics. In April 1967, Jack and Mary Ellen Mackeben were married at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont. They shared 22 years together until her passing in November of 1988.

Jack began flying at the age of 16 under the careful direction of Lloyd Alsworth, and he went on to earn a commercial pilot license with multiengine, sea and instrument ratings. He enjoyed crop spraying and serving as pilot for several area businesses. Jack served as a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard and Minnesota Air National Guard during the Vietnam War. During his flying days, Jack owned several planes, including a float plane. Flying gave Jack and his friends and family the option of quick transportation to their cabin in Canada, the site of many happy celebrations, reunions and successful fishing vacations. Jack became the corporate pilot for Artsway Manufacturing in Armstrong, Iowa, and later joined that company’s sales force selling grinder mixers through the Midwest. He later began selling and servicing computers while managing his commercial rental property in Fairmont. Jack loved Alaska and treasured trips piloting his own plane to Alaska to visit friends and to fish. Jack continued to take annual fishing trips to Alaska and often rewarded friends and family with halibut and salmon fresh from the Pacific when he returned. Jack enjoyed sharing pictures and tales of his adventures in Alaska, and he seldom missed an opportunity to talk about his love of flying and Alaska. Jack became an amateur photographer, working with his friend, Jeff Silker. Jack was always ready to help friends and family with their photography. Jack was a member of First Congregational Church (UCC) of Fairmont and was active as member of the finance and facilities boards and served as moderator. He serviced and maintained the computers for the church for many years and was always available in a crisis. Survivors include brothers, Bob Mackey, and Bill Mackey; sisters, Betty Mackey, and Mary (Bob) Faulkner; sister-in-law, Neva (David) Beech; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen; parents, Robert and Elizabeth Mackey; sisters, Judy Cobb and Joyce VanBeest; sisters-in-law, Karen Mackey and Sandy Mackey; Mary Ellen’s parents, Albert and Marian Mackenben; niece, Jennifer Mackey; nephews, Jake Rubbelke, William Cobb and Daniel VanBeest; and many other friends and relatives. Memorials are preferred to Lakeside Cemetery or First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) of Fairmont. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]