John 'Jack' Edgerton, Jr

EDGERTON
John B. Jr. 'Jack'
Of Oak Park Heights, MN, formerly Mendota Heights, MN, passed away on March 17, 2017. Preceded in death by his parents, John B. Edgerton, Sr. and Hazel Edgerton; and sister, Anne (Ottoson). Survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia G. Edgerton; three children, Katherine (Robert) Yaeger, John (Heidi), Scott (Mary Beth); 7 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends. Jack was born in California on May 24, 1926. When he was 15 he moved to Chicago. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy during the end of WWII. In 1947 Jack was honorably discharged and then attended the University of Illinois. It was a short time later that he met the girl of his dreams, Helen Virginia Gross. They were married on June 15, 1949, after which Jack began a long tenured career at Gross-Given Manufacturing Company/Automatic Products International, where he ultimately became President and CEO. During his career he was very involved with National Automatic Merchandising Association and eventually became the President and Chairman of the Board of NAMA. Outside of work, Jack volunteered his time and served as Sr. Warden on the vestry at St. John the Evangelist. He was a very active person enjoying golf, curling, fishing, hunting and time with his family. He managed to have a couple hole-in-ones in his golfing. In 1968 Jack and Virginia, along with Ken and Jen Koppy, won the Minnesota mixed curling championship. First and foremost, Jack was a very selfless person, always putting others before himself. In all, his greatest joy was in his family and friends. He often stated how fortunate he was for the love of family and friends, and that with his faith they were the greatest gifts in his life. Please join us in celebration of Jack's life on Tuesday, April 4 at 3:00 PM at ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 60 Kent Street, St. Paul with visitation one hour prior to the service. Our family gives our heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at Boutwells Landing and the staff members of Visiting Angels, especially Sandy, for the kind and loving care given to our Dad. In lieu of flowers please give donations to the Alzheimer Association or American Heart Association.