Jack L. Ferris

Jack L. Ferris, 95, of Silver Bay, MN died on Monday, November 9, 2026 at home surrounded by his children.

Jack was born on February 26, 1931 to James and Myrtle Ferris of Wadena, MN. He went into the U.S. Navy in 1950 and fired boilers for 4 years aboard a navy ship. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and met his future wife Alma while working for a construction company in Crookston, MN. They were married in 1955 in Alma’s hometown of Argyle, MN in the Catholic church after Jack’s baptism and confirmation. Shortly afterward, they moved to the North Shore where Jack was employed at the Finland Radar Base as a boiler operator. After purchasing a piece of property on Hwy 1, they began building their new home themselves including the cement work, the plumbing and the electrical work. They lived in the basement for several years then built the main floor of the house and raised their son and three daughters there. Jack worked at the Finland Radar Base for 26 years.

Jack was ordained a deacon in the Catholic church in November 1997 and served at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for many years. Over his long life he enjoyed a number of pastimes including fishing, amateur radio, electronics, gardening, watching wildlife and had a commitment to his daily walks. He cared for his wife Alma when she became ill and was a selfless, loving husband and father.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Ferris and brother James Ferris.

He is survived by his son Wayne (Maggie) Ferris of Lewisberry, PA; daughters Diane (Dave) Engesath and Sharon (Tom) Lohman of Duluth; and Sandy (Jack) Stahlberg of Iron; grandchildren Ellen, Gina, Matt, Rachel, Sara, Andrew, Becky, Zach, Daniel, Mike, Elisabeth, and Katie; step-grandchildren David, Carmin and Megan; 26 great-grandchildren; sisters Edna Dawson and JoAnn Berg and brother Bob Ferris.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Silver Bay. Burial will be at Sawtooth Mountain Cemetery.