Jack Wesley Cole

Cole, Jack Wesley At age 94, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2020 at his home in Golden Valley, having been cared for by all 4 of his children during his final weeks. Jack was born on December 7, 1925 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Charles and Sadie Cole. Jack and his brother Harold grew up in Wisconsin, Iowa, Louisiana and Michigan. He graduated from George Williams College (BS in Group Work Education) and Wayne State University (Masters in Guidance and Counselling). He married Ann Downer in 1951, raising their family in southeastern Michigan. The family moved to Golden Valley, Minnesota in 1972. Jack and Ann were married 65 years until her death in 2016. Jack began his 40+ year YMCA career as a camp counselor in 1943 and retired in 1988. He worked in Detroit and Monroe, followed by a position with the State YMCA in Michigan. His last and longest position was with the YMCA of the USA, based in Minneapolis, but then he continued to volunteer another 30+ years. Jack was a longtime Plymouth Congregational Church member. Never has there been a truer champion for the library. Jack was instrumental is establishing the Library Foundation of Hennepin County in 1986 as well as its Pen Pals Author Lecture Series in 1997, which has since become one of the most popular and respected series of its kind in the entire country. Volunteer activities included Stephen's Ministry and Meals on Wheels. The last 4 years at Covenant Living of Golden Valley Jack was active in the community. His interests included reading the New York Times, traveling, performing arts, public libraries, CNN and Jeopardy. Jack's wise counsel was always available and appreciated. The articles shared with family and friends that he thought might be of interest to them will be missed. The entire Cole family took 16 family vacations over 33 years to many parts of the world. Jack's spirit remains alive in his dear children, Amy (Brian) Ziegler of Baton Rouge, LA, Allison (Steve) Oakes of Vancouver, WA, Tracy (John) Rode of Plymouth, MN, Foster (Elaine) Cole of New Brighton, MN; cherished grandchildren, Reed Ziegler, Rachel (Matt) Miller, Andrea (Jason) Eeds, Anthony (Kellie) Oakes, Em Rode, Caroline Rode and great-grandchildren Kate, Matilda, Nolan, June, Chloe, Monroe; and treasured friends. Memorial service, Summer 2021. Jack has been cremated and his ashes mingled with Ann's. Memorials in Jack's memory to: Friends of the Hennepin County Library, 300 Nicollet Mall #N-290, Mpls, MN 55401, Ridgedale YMCA, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305 or donor's choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Jack Wesley Cole

December 7, 1925 - November 23, 2020

Tributes

Jack Wesley Cole

December 7, 1925 - November 23, 2020

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