Jack Colwell

Jack Colwell was born on March 17, 1926 in Gowrie, Iowa to Ray and Rachel Colwell. He graduated from Cherokee High School in 1944 and enlisted in the navy. He served on the destroyer, "The USS Stanly" in the Pacific. While serving, he saw combat engagements near twenty-nine different islands including the Philippines, the invasion of Leyte, Mindoro and Luzon as well as the battle of Iwo Jima among others. After the war's end, Jack attended college at Buena Vista in Storm Lake, Iowa, married Delores Kannegieter, and they had two children: Jackie and Kelly. They made their home mostly in the Spirit Lake area where Jack worked as a local artist, golf professional, grounds' keeper and course designer. Among the many golf courses he designed are Indian Hills and Okoboji View in the Lakes area. In his retirement years, Jack enjoyed being a ranger at Okoboji View and assisted as a volunteer coach for the Spirit Lake High School Girls' Golf Team. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren, as well as all of his family and friends. Jack passed away Saturday, July 4, 2009 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake at eighty-three years of age. Surviving are his children, Jackie Mason (Mike) and Kelly Colwell (Nancy); grandchildren, Allison Welter (Justin), Patrick Mason, Lauren Mason, Stephanie Colwell and Ashley Colwell. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Christensen (Joe) Sally Bevington and Mary Minkler (Lyle); brother-in-law, Chuck Shorey; several nieces and nephews and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bill Colwell, sister, Betty Shorey, brothers-in-law, Arlo Fox and Jim Bevington. Memorial funds will be directed to establish a memorial at Okoboji View Golf course in Jack's name.