James R. ‘Jack’ Dempsey

MARSHALL–James R. ‘Jack’ Dempsey, 87 of Rochester, MN and formerly of Marshall, MN, passed away peacefully February 25, 2025.

Jack was born on January 9, 1938, in Adrian, MI, to Ralph and Ruth (Libs) Dempsey. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, MI, in 1960. In 1961, Jack entered the Air Force, being first assigned to Indiana University to learn Russian, followed by tours in Germany and Turkey.

While attending Indiana University, Jack met Beverly ‘Bev’ Stayback. The two married May 28,1966 in LaPorte, IN. Following Jack’s military duty, he was an insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual. Six years later, he accepted a role with Tony’s Frozen Pizza, a division of Schwan’s Sales of Marshall, MN. They moved to Boise, ID, where he established routes in Idaho and Oregon. After 4 years, Jack was promoted again, and the family moved to Concord, NH, where Jack worked with the New England Division as Sales Coordinator & Director of Training & Safety. Two years later, the family moved to Marshall, MN (1978), where Jack became a Purchasing Agent for Schwan’s Home Service Division. He worked 25 years for Schwan’s.

Jack served on the Parish Council of Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, MN. In Marshall, he served on the Education Advisory Committee for Holy Redeemer Catholic School and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and with Pro-Life.

Jack is survived by his wife Bev Dempsey, daughter Karen (Tegan) Andler of Crystal, MN, son Brian (Kelley) Dempsey of Rochester, MN, grandchildren Kellen Andler, Nolan Andler, Donavan Matesky, Cassandra Sabol, great-grandchildren Autumn Matesky and Emberlynn Matesky.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, infant sister Catherine, and grandson Hayden Dempsey.

Services will be held in Marshall this summer, date tbd. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Holy Redeemer School Foundation. Call 507-532-6642.

Blessed be his memory.