Obituaries : Jack F. Mann

Jack F. Mann, 88, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away January 18, 2025, at Birkwood Village, Toledo, IA. Praise the Lord, he is fully restored!

Jack was born June 22, 1936, to Vernon and Faye (Bilyeu) Mann in rural Shelby County, MO. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1954. Jack met Sandy Barnett, the love of his life while continuing his education at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College. Earning his Master's Degree in Industrial Technology, Jack started his teaching at Wellsville, MO. The couple married on May 21, 1961, in the Community Presbyterian Church, LaPlata, MO. Together they moved to Iowa where Jack taught at C & M High School for eight years before settling in Belle Plaine in 1970. Jack taught Industrial Arts for the Belle Plaine Community School for 25 years, retiring in 1995.

Jack enjoyed the outdoors, spending as much time as possible at his "little slice of heaven" - the Mann Family Farm - hunting mushrooms and wildlife, golfing and riding motorcycles, and many other "exciting" adventures with family and friends. Jack could build or fix anything and loved creating gifts for his family.

He loved his family unconditionally and was not afraid to show it. He taught his family how to be affectionate and appreciate a good hug. Jack could balance love and discipline in his interactions with his children and students. He was a man of integrity and impeccable character, who was always happy and didn't know a stranger. He was quick to start a conversation that might continue at length. He loved music and would sing or whistle throughout the day. Jack had a beautiful singing voice, blessing many with his talent at weddings and other events.

Jack was a member of the Belle Plaine Ruritan, the Masonic Lodge, and served on the Belle Plaine County Club board. He was active in his faith as a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandy of Belle Plaine; children, Jil (Craig) Roorda of Omaha, NE, Dana (Jon) Means of Urbandale, IA, Kurt (Shari) Mann of Belle Plaine, IA; granddaughter, Lindsey (Patrick) Merrill; great-grandchildren, Blake and Oscar; granddaughter, Allison (Ben) Lorenzen; great-grandchildren, Leo and Joey; grandchildren, Jordan Means, Jensen (Dashon) Legette; great-grandchildren, Navi and Ona'je; grandchildren, Keaton Means, Alex (Emily) Mann and Jalyn Mann; sister-in-law, Ruth Barnett; nephew, Ron (Lisa) Barnett; great-niece, Lauren (Seth) Stadtmueller.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Rodney Barnett.

Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.