Richard "Dick" Jackson

Richard Messer Jackson, 93, of Grand Forks, ND died peacefully in his home Wednesday, Jan 16 2019 where he was being cared for by lovely care givers from Comfort Keepers.

Richard “Dick” M. Jackson was born March 9, 1925, in Fargo ND, the son of Harold and Livonia “Ma” (Messer) Jackson. He spent his early years in Montana, where his father started a sheep farm. The depression wiped them out and his mother had to wire for money to move back to Moorhead, MN. He attended Moorhead Teacher’s College where he met his wife, Eileen, and received his teaching degree. Dick was a WWII Veteran serving from 1945 – 1947, when he was honorably discharged after serving in Japan as a US Counter Intelligence Agent. He then spent a year in Seattle working at Boeing until he returned to Moorhead, MN to finish his degree. Dick married Eileen Schmunk of Crookston, MN on August 19, 1950 where they lived for 11 years. During his time in Crookston, he taught and coached basketball at Northwest Agricultural School in Crookston, sold auto parts and was on the road a lot. In 1959, he along with a partner, purchased Valley Press in Grand Forks. Two years later, he sold his shares, purchased Jet Printing and moved his family to Grand Forks. He grew the business over the next 25 years until he sold it to Fine Print in 1984. After that, he was very instrumental in establishing Poly Pak Inc., was the Promotional Manager of South Forks Plaza Mall, Administrator of the Grand Forks City Center Mall and Parking Authority and a partner in Managed Properties Inc.

Dick was active in the community, a lifetime member of International Exchange Club, SCORE, Chamber of Commerce, Kem Temple, Shriner’s and Elks Lodge. He sat on several corporate board including United Hospital, Urban Housing Authority and Grand Forks Homes. He and Eileen joined Calvary Lutheran Church in 1960 and served on several committees. Dick and Eileen were avid North Dakota “Fighting Sioux” fans and attended all the SIOUX events and games they could. He also enjoyed attending his grandson’s activities and games.

Dick is survived by his daughters Kathy (Andy) Wetzel, Austin TX, MaryAnn Soderberg, Grand Forks ND; grandson’s Nathan, Mitchell, and Nicholas Soderberg, Thomas Wetzel and a son-in-law Blaine Soderberg.

He is preceded in death by his wife Eileen, and his parents Harold and Livonia.

Funeral service will be Monday, January 21, 2019 at 11:00 AM in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 South 9th Street, Grand Forks.
Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 4 PM, with a prayer service at 4PM in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 South 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the start of the funeral at the church.
Interment will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks.  
Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer's Association in memory of Richard.