Hodnett, John (Jack) 1921-2011

HODNETT, MCPHILLIPS, BERGAUS, ELISON, CONLEY

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Date: 3/30/2025 at 14:56:26

John (Jack) Hodnett
May 1, 1921 - December 18, 2011

Hodnett, John F. (Jack) Died peacefully at the University of Minnesota Medical Center December 14, 2011. Born May 1, 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio, Jack grew up in Providence, RI graduating from LaSalle Academy and attended the University of Rhode... View Obituary & Service Information

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Hodnett, John F. (Jack) Died peacefully at the University of Minnesota Medical Center December 14, 2011. Born May 1, 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio, Jack grew up in Providence, RI graduating from LaSalle Academy and attended the University of Rhode Island. Jack served in the US Army during WWII in India and upon his discharge met the love of his life and partner for 55 years Catherine B. "Berna" McPhillips and together they raised 5 children. Jack started his distinguished retail career with the Al Baskin Clothier in Joliet, IL. Jack then became the General Merchandise Manager of Karoll's Men's Wear in Chicago. In 1968 Jack became the V.P. General Merchandise Manager of The Kennedy Stores, a 22 location chain of apparel stores based in New England. Jack's retail career brought the Hodnett clan to Minneapolis, MN in 1971 and included positions as: President, CEO Young Quinlan and President, CEO Justers, INC. Jack served as Chairman of the Nicollet Mall Implementation Board, Chairman of the Downtown Council of Minneapolis and Chairman of the Hennepin Avenue Advisory Board. Jack was also a member of: The Nicollet Mall Advisory Board, The Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association and The Hennepin Center for the Arts. Jack served on the Board of Directors of Winona Knits, Gallagher of Chicago and St Therese Southwest. Upon Jack's 1986 "retirement" from day to day retail operations he started the Jack Hodnett and Associates Consulting Firm. Jack's firm originally specialized in retail and later in directing capital fund raising campaigns for the Catholic Church locally and across the country.

Jack is survived by daughters, Patricia (John) Bergaus of St. Louis Park, MN; Catherine (Michael) Elison, Jacksonville, FL; Mary (Brian) Conley, Des Moines, IA; Amy Hodnett, Apple Valley, MN; son, John (Dena) Hodnett, Apple Valley, MN; grandchildren, Bradley (Chelsea) Bergaus, Tierney and Kerry Elison, Erin and Maggie Conley, Carter, Lindsey and Riley Hodnett. Jack was preceded in death by everyone...he was 90 for God's sake.

Jack was one of the GREATEST of "The Greatest Generation". A true Christian and a true humanitarian, Jack was active in his business and community until his last day. Jack was the best father, grandfather, father in law and friend to his family and all who had the privilege to know him. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN. Visitation Monday, December 19, 2011, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John (Jack) Hodnett please visit our Sympathy Store. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register 18 Dec 2011.