John “Jack” Albert Horntasch, age 81, passed away on May 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. A visitation will be held at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00pm and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. A funeral service will be at 11:00am on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells. Pastor Dennis Timmerman will be officiating and burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery.

Jack was born on November 1, 1944, in Wells, Minnesota, to Albert “Pat” and Marie (Rosenbrock) Horntasch.

On June 17, 1972, Jack married the love of his life Darla Giese at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells. Together they built nearly 54 years of memories, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, raising three daughters and building a family that became Jack’s greatest source of pride and joy. Jack was a man of quiet strength. He believed in showing up, working hard, and taking care of the people around him. Jack was the one people turned to. He could fix just about anything, solve most problems, and somehow make difficult situations seem a little less heavy. And when something couldn’t be fixed, he stayed. He listened. He helped carry the burden. That was who he was. Jack had a quick wit and a mischievous sense of humor. He loved teasing people, sharing stories and jokes, and delivering one-liners with perfect timing. His infectious grin could brighten up any room and make even the hardest days feel a little lighter.

Jack’s work was always centered around serving others. After spending his early years working alongside his father at Pat’s Standard Station, Jack joined his father at Pat’s Bus Service. Following his father’s passing, he carried on the family legacy by purchasing the business and operating it until 1994. Through the 30+ years, countless local children and families came to know Jack as the dependable face behind the wheel of a school bus – a role he carried out with pride and responsibility. He finished his working career at USC Schools. Jack very proudly dedicated 32 years to serving the Wells Fire Department, with many of those years being an Officer/Chief.

But if you asked Jack what mattered most, the answer would always be family. Nothing brought him greater joy than being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His daughters were the light of his life, and his grandchildren were his entire world; grandpa and grandpa great were titles he held proudly. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, offer encouragement, share a laugh, or simply spend time together. His love was steady, unconditional, and ever-present. He taught his family not only through words, but through example – showing them what kindness, integrity, resilience, and unconditional love truly looked like. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, building hot rods, creating laughs and fellowship at Hoot n’ Holler, and fishing, especially in Canada and the Missouri River in Chamberlain. Some of his fondest memories are of spending those trips with dear friends.

To honor his legacy, Jack is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Darla; his daughters, Tammy (Anthony) Chase, Ami (Dan) Hart, and Angie (Brandon) Voigt, all of Wells; his grandchildren, Maddie (Matt) Maisch, Ariana (JT) Chase, Carter Hart, and Jaxon Hart; his great grandson, Mason Jack; his sister, Mary Klocek; his lifelong best friend, Milt Peterson; his special niece, Tina Giese; and many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Waiting to welcome Jack home were his parents; his parents-in-law, Ferd and Viola Giese; his precious angel great-granddaughter, Millie Marie; his sister, Patsy Gottberg; his brother-in-law Ron Klocek; his niece, Shelly Klocek; Darla’s siblings and spouses, and many cherished friends who had gone before him.

The measure of a life is not found in years lived, titles held, or accomplishments earned, but in the lives touched along the way. By that measure, Jack lived an extraordinary life. He leaves behind a family strengthened by his example, a community enriched by his service, and countless memories that will be treasured forever.

A special thank you to the staff at Prairie Senior Cottages and Prairie Grace Hospice for their gentle, kind and loving care they provided to Jack over the past 5 months.

Forever loved. Forever respected. Forever missed.