John James Musech

John J. Musech of Cook, Minnesota passed away peacefully at his home Friday, April 26, 2019, two months before his 95 ^th birthday.  John was a family man, a successful businessman and a community leader.  He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his kind spirit, his sense of humor, and his love of the Cook community.

The son of Slovenian immigrants, John was born in Aurora, Minnesota on June 28, 1924 to Ignatz and Mary Musech.  He was the youngest of seven children and grew up in Kitzville near Hibbing, Minnesota where he worked in the family grocery store.  At the age of 19 John was drafted into the Navy and served his country in the Pacific theatre for three and a half years during World War II.  He returned from the war and took over the family grocery store in Kitzville.

John was married to Verdella Jaunich of Delano, Minnesota on September 26, 1953.  For 65 years John and Verdella were life, business, and travel partners as well as proud parents of nine extremely well-behaved children.  He is survived by his loving wife, Verdella, and all nine of their children including Jennifer (Greg) Peterson, Alan (Julie) Musech, Cary (Gina) Musech, Christine (Ron) Geist, Susie Fry, Margaret Horn, Tom (Cyndi Rowland) Musech, Joan Musech and Mary (Doug) Cleary.  John was an influential role model and friend to his children and his extended family including 21 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses.  John is preceded in death by his parents and his six siblings.

A born entrepreneur, John owned and operated a number of businesses in the area along with Verdella.  In 1958 they moved their young family to Cook and bought a grocery store on main street.  They later expanded the business and built a new SuperValu store that offered both groceries and clothing.  With nine children at home, they had a built-in work force and they also employed a number of area residents over the years.  They later purchased property on Highway 53 and built the Country Store and remodeled and expanded the Vermilion Hotel.   In his "retirement" John invested and later operated Island View Lodge on Rainy Lake, outside of International Falls.

John believed that Cook was a great place to raise a family and do business.  He was actively involved in building the community and was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church, a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of the Lion's Club, Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department,  a founding member of Vermilion Fairways golf course and a proud member of the Montana Cafe Coffee Club.

John was a fun-loving participant in life. He enjoyed fishing, waterskiing, downhill skiing, golf, curling, and making sausage.  John and Verdella enjoyed playing bridge and traveling with close friends. He will be missed at family holiday gatherings and summer weekends on Lake Vermilion, where he was known for cooking on the grill, captaining his pontoon boat and winning at cards.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cook.  Visitation will be at the Church on Tuesday, May 7 from 5 to 7 pm, and on Wednesday at 11 am. Military honors will be accorded by the Cook VFW Post #1757 Honor Guard & Orr American Legion Post #480 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Mary's Catholic Church Prayer Park and the Cook Lions Club. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com