Jack Dobbs

94, Maple Grove and former 60+ year resident of New Hope, passed peacefully to Heaven on July 8th, 2022 at North Memorial Hospital. Born February 13, 1928 in Charles City, IA.  Preceded in death by son Jeffrey, parents Clarence and Nora, brothers Darrell (wife Theresa), Stanley, sisters Lavonne, Audrey and Lorraine (brother-in-law Gary).

Survived by loving wife Donna, sons Doug (Laura), David (Nancy), Jay (Jackie); daughter-in-law Kay. Grandchildren Danielle (Dennis), Nicole (Jarrod), Derek (Brandes), Michael, Andrew (Leigh), Jennifer, Erica, Steven (Stacy), Melanie, Ellen (fiancée Patrick), Rachel (Matt), and 9 great grandchildren and sister Patty (Dave); sister-in-law Donna; brother-in-law Jim and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Charles City Iowa, his family came to Minnesota when Jack was 14. Jack and Donna’s paths first crossed while she was on a walk with a friend In Minneapolis and he and a friend spotted them on the sidewalk while driving by. They talked for a few minutes, then went their separate ways. A few months later God intervened and they were introduced by friends as a blind date and picked up  where the left off just a few months earlier.  So began a beautiful life together. Jack and Donna were married 73 years.

Dad had an incredible gift with numbers, was intellectually and emotionally smart. These attributes of his were vividly seen during his forty-year career in the fabric business as co-owner of Kirsch Fabrics Inc. He was also very kind, humble, caring, gracious, compassionate, encouraging, positive, a wonderful friend to many and had a great sense of humor. A gifted conversationalist, he was always genuinely interested in you and your life, listening and focused intently on your every word.

Dad was an avid golfer, playing many courses in Minnesota and Arizona, mostly with Donna and often with hundreds of golf friends. He shot his age several times, had 5 holes-in-one  and usually played the entire summer with the same ball.  His all- around game was great, but his short game was his hallmark, especially putting.  A passionate fisherman from the time he grew up fishing the Mississippi River with his uncles, he fished in Minnesota, Texas, Arizona and Florida and often ventured deep into Canada with family and friends. Always a staple on the sidelines or in the bleachers (always with Donna), he never missed a grandchild’s athletic event or performance.

We were incredibly blessed to have 94 years of this wonderfully kind man. Being able to converse and laugh with him until his last few days was an immeasurable gift for which we will always be grateful. We know you’ll be with us every day. Love you always Jack, Dad and grandpa!

Funeral Friday, July 15, 11 AM at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N. Visitation after 10 AM Friday. Interment Gethsemane Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Schulze Diabetes Institute, University of Minnesota.