John (Jack) M. Carr, age 79, of Duluth, was born August 10, 1940, and died Saturday, May 9, 2020, of cardiac failure at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Bernice Carr, his in-laws, Myrtle and Albin Trempe and brother-in-law, John Trempe. He is survived by his wife Dianne, with whom he spent 52 good years of marriage. He also leaves his sister, Mary Beth Carr, of Phoenix, Arizona, and one brother-in-law, Tom Trempe (Judy) and many nieces and nephews, in addition to his loyal Golden Retriever- Calin and Dianne’s Irish Setter- Maggie.
Jack grew up in Duluth, graduated from Duluth East and later (June, 1966) from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He served in ROTC training before entering the Army Security Agency School, graduating from that in May 1962. He then entered the 82D Airborne Division, where he received a Marksman (Rifle) Badge, good conduct medal, certificate of achievement, and letter of appreciation. After over seven years of service, he obtained an honorable discharge on July 30, 1964, and headed back to the University to complete his college education.
He moved to Minneapolis in June 1966, and worked for Honeywell. He then moved back to Duluth, working for Ingersoll Rand in 1969. In 1972, he started working with his Father at Carr’s Hardware. He purchased the business a few years later and changed the name to Carr’s Hobby.
Jack was very successful building up the business selling toys, trains, boats, airplanes and miscellaneous memorabilia doing what he enjoyed most. Collecting antiques, the business became unique with museum quality items that attracted customers from all over the United States and Canada. After almost 50 years of doing what he enjoyed most in life, he sold the building and inventory, and retired in early February 2020.
Jack loved going up the Gunflint Trail, spending time at his cabin, and fishing. It seems so appropriate he would leave this world on opening fishing day in Minnesota.
Due to COVID- 19, there will be no funeral. However, there will be a blessing of the ashes at Park Hill Cemetery with the Honor Guard in attendance.
If so desired, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, 130 W. Superior St., Ste. 630, Duluth, MN 55802 and/ or Animal Allies Humane Society, 4006 Airport Rd., Duluth, MN 55811.
Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.
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