John "Jack" Newell

WEBSTER – John “Jack” Newell 88 of Webster passed away Wednesday February 1, 2017 at Sanford Hospital Webster. Funeral Services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday February 7, 2017 at Heritage Village Chapel in Webster. Pastor Mike McCarlson will officiate. Military interment will be in the Webster Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 5-7 P.M. closing with a prayer service at the funeral home. John “Jack” Robert Newell was born on Monday July 9, 1928 to Robert and Mayme (Draves) Newell at Watertown, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed into the Methodist faith. He attended country school at Flower Valley and graduated from Florence High School in 1946. After graduation he worked on the family farm alongside his father and brother. In 1951, he was drafted and was sent to Arkansas for military training before being sent to Korea. He was an artillery man and worked with various gun crews. He established the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1953. After he returned to the United States, he moved back home to the family farm. On August 27, 1961, he married Verna Flora. The couple made their home on the Newell family farm. The couple along with their two sons Tom and Jim, moved around a bit landing them in Clair City, Minnesota for a time. In 1968, the family moved to Webster, South Dakota. Jack was employed by the City of Webster until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, Jack enjoyed gardening, volunteering at the nursing home, and delivering church bulletins. He also enjoyed visiting with friends and family over a cup of coffee. Jack was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jack passed away Wednesday February 1, 2017 at Webster, South Dakota at the age of 88 years, 6 months, and 8 days. He will be greatly missed by his wife Verna of Webster, SD, sons: Tom Newell of Pierre, SD and Jim (Julie) Newell of Morton, IL, three grandchildren: Elizabeth, Joshua, and Adam, one brother Howard Newell of Florence, SD and one sister June Dodgen of Montrose, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents.