John "Jack" Eldon DeMaris

JOHN ELDON “Jack” DeMARIS

August 27, 1944 – February 16, 2020

                John Eldon “Jack” DeMaris, age 75, a lifelong Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully left this earth on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, surrounded by his loved ones.

                Jack was born on August 27, 1944 in Park Rapids, MN to John and Betty (Nelson) DeMaris.  He attended the Green Valley Township #110 Country School in Becker County through the eighth grade and then went on to attend high school in Park Rapids from where he graduated with the Class of 1961.  Jack went on to attend The Staples Vocational-Technical College in Staples where he studied to become a machinist.  He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served with the 1st Battalion of the 1st Marines of the 1^st Division.  Following his honorable discharge, Jack returned to work on his parent’s farm in Green Valley Township and eventually took over the farm operation.  On July 12, 1975, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Jeane Swenson.  This union was blessed with three children: Jaclyn, Amanda, and Brent.  Jack sold the dairy herd in 1983 and began a trucking career that spanned over 27 years with the RD Offutt Company where he earned many safe driving awards.  Jack loved to work hard both on his farm and his trucking.  He was a masterful storyteller and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  For the past 30 years, Jack has enjoyed a soulmate relationship with his best friend, Rene Boos.  Above all, Jack devoted his life to his family and those he loved as family.

                Jack will be lovingly remembered by his three children:  Jaclyn (Wil) Petik of Moorhead, MN, Amanda DeMaris of Moorhead and Brent DeMaris of Fargo, ND; and two other daughters: Darla and Lisa;  his long term companion, Rene Boos and her children: Rodney, Tommy, Kristin, Kara and Brian; and many grandchildren; two sisters: Shirley (George) Payne of Grand Forks, ND; and Betty Johnson of Park Rapids; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

                He was preceded in death by his parents.

                Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be made in the DeMaris family plot of the Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MN.  To watch the video tribute or to leave online condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com