Jack James Celt, 89, of Bay City, died Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at the River Falls Area Hospital. He was born June 11, 1934, in Minneapolis to James and Alice (Wolf) Celt. He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Rosevelt High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until his honorable discharge in 1956. On Sept. 25, 1956, he married Marilyn Engelhard in Minneapolis. The couple raised four children.
He held a number of jobs including truck driver for the Star Tribune, working for the Railroad, managing the Woodshed and working with the Civil Corp of Engineers. Following an injury, he went back to school and earned a master’s degree in administration from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He went on to teach for the Ellsworth School District for 22 years where he was a teacher, served as principal and an elementary school supervisor. In 1993, Marilyn passed away and in 1995 Jack moved to Bay City. He won two terms as the Bay City Village President and was a devoted Bay City Bomber fan. He was involved with the Bombers since 1971 and he also served as the team president. He was also associated with the Wisconsin Baseball Association, the Cannon Valley Baseball Association and the St. Croix Valley Baseball Association. He was a member of the Bay City American Legion, Post 18, and of The Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing.
Jack enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He also loved spending time in Florida. He was a cheerful guy with a great sense of humor who loved spending time with family and friends. He possessed the gift of gab and was a master at the “Long Goodbye.” Anyone who met Jack was a friend for life.
He will be missed by many including his children; Jim (Wanda) Celt of River Falls, John (Cathy) Celt of Apple Valley, Mike (Alice) Celt of Bay City, and Jacqueline (Mark) Moren of Vadnais Heights; grandchildren, Nicole (Bryan) Brite, Tony Celt, Adam (Brittany) Celt, Alisha (John Lannigan) Celt, Rachel (Ryan) Unterburger, Andy Celt, Nick Adams, Lucas Adams, Caleb (Monica) Knopp, Morgan (Mitch) Scofield, Melissa (Devin Gibsen) Moren, and Lucas Moren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; brother, Bob Celt; and his parents.
Mass of Resurrection will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at the Church of St. Joseph with Father Brandon Theisen presiding. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be at St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Richmond, Minn. Military honors provided by the Cold Springs American Legion, Post 455. Memorials are preferred to the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=24055. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com
