John "Jack" Cousins

John “Jack” Cousins, 84, Owatonna, MN (previously Moorhead, MN), passed away August 27, 2019, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief battle with cancer.

Jack was born in 1934 in Manchester, IA, to Albert and Floy (Hockaday) Cousins. They lived in numerous places in MN and around the country following Al’s engineering jobs. Floy passed away in 1941; Albert married Mary Glennadean (Mahood) in 1942, and raised 5 kids: Bob, Jack, Mary, Tom, Susie.

Jack graduated in 1952 from Fargo Central High School, studied Civil Engineering at NDSU, and served in the Army in Berlin, Germany. Jack and Beverly Jane Kruse were married on July 12, 1958. Together they raised 4 kids; family was his greatest joy.

Jack began his engineering career with the Cass County Highway Dept. in West Fargo, ND. He served as Asst. City Engineer in Red Wing, MN, prior to returning to Cass County as the Asst. County Engineer. In 1969, he and his father switched positions, with Jack becoming the County Engineer and Al becoming the Assistant. In 1973, the family moved to Waseca, MN, as Jack became the Waseca County Engineer. In 1980, Jack returned to the area as County Engineer in Clay County (Moorhead), MN. He retired in 2005 from a career he loved. Jack was active in the MN Assoc. of County Highway Engineers, serving on numerous committees and in leadership roles. He was awarded the County Engineer of the Year award in 1987.

Jack was known for his love of family, sense of humor, his integrity and big heart. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh; he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Throughout his life he enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing, horseshoes, billiards, card games, and board games with his grandkids.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Bev; children: Laura (Brian), Orono, MN; Greg (Michelle), Owatonna, MN; Cindy Mason (Bill), Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren: Sara Schaefer (Tony); Alyssa LaBella; Jade Mahlen (Randy); Ethan (Jaci); Cole Mason (Nikitta); Mason (Jackie); great grandchildren: Alexyia, Emma, Kayden, Amira, Levi; siblings: Mary O’Brien; Thomas (Carol); Susan (Dan).

Preceded in death by daughter: Lisa Jo; parents: Albert, Floy, Glenn; brother: Robert; nephew: Rob.

A heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic for their exceptional care. Memorials may be given to Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic) or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).