John Doyle

Jack was born on September 27, 1926 to J. Mart and Marie C. (Kipp) Doyle on the Doyle homestead farm, Walnut Lake Township, Easton, MN. Jack graduated from Wells High School in 1944. He was active for 17 years with the Easton Boxing Team in the Golden Gloves program. A combat veteran of WWII, he served in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific War Theaters with the U.S. Merchant Marines. After VJ Day he returned to the farm. He married Anna Lee (Anne) Preston on June 9, 1951. A daughter and four sons were born to this union. In 1958 he opened a branch office of Fairmont Production Credit Association in St. James, MN. In 1960 he became a State Farm agent and served his clients for 39 years. He was a lifetime member of the Easton Legion Club Post 0569, Grand Knight of Columbus, and past president of the Chamber of Commerce of St. James. He was the co-founder of the St. James Salutators and served as its president for 27 years. He was also a charter member of St. James Lions Club. He was very involved in Railroad Days and the establishment of the railroad museum in St. James. His belief in service was evident in the St. James community. Jack and Anne moved to Mankato, MN in 2000 after his retirement. He enjoyed playing golf, beating his friends at cribbage and gin and his infamous picking up sticks. He was a doting grandfather who enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities. John (Jack) B. Doyle, 80, of Mankato, died peacefully Monday, April 2, 2007 in Battlefield, Missouri while visiting his daughter. Left to mourn his loss are his wife, Anne; his children, Brenna (James) Davis of Battlefield, Missouri, Preston (Judy) Doyle of Mankato, Douglas (Katrina) Doyle of North Hills, California, John (Conny) Doyle of Inver Grove Heights and Michael (Dianne) Doyle of Alexandria; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, James (Wanda)Doyle of Albert Lea, Thomas (Mary) Doyle of Mankato; sisters, Mary (James) Schmid and Nan Herman, both of Eden Prairie; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in his name be given to the charity of your choice.