Rest in Peace

John Kenneth Mindock

SEPTEMBER 21, 1926 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

John “Jack” K. Mindock passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, in Cary, North Carolina, just three weeks short of his 100th birthday.

Jack was a longtime educator and dedicated member of his community. He taught at Washington Grade School and Lincoln Grade School in Oglesby, Illinois and served as principal at Washington Grade School. After retiring from teaching, he continued as a permanent substitute teacher at Lincoln Junior High in LaSalle, IL.

Jack was a former member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Oglesby, IL and most recently of St. Andrews the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex, NC.

Jack graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

During World War II, he served in the United States Navy aboard the DD574 USS John Rodgers, a Fletcher Class destroyer. His years of military service remained an important part of his life. Each year, Jack coordinated Navy reunions for veterans who served aboard his ship.

Jack will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his students, his country, and his many friendships.

He is survived by daughter Gloria Jean Mindock and her partner William J. Kelle of Somerville, MA, daughter Kelli Anna Dryer, son-in-law Richard D. Dryer, and grandson Alexander G. Dryer of Cary, NC.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene (Gandolfi) Mindock; his two sons, Russell and Gregory; his parents, Helen “Nellie” Mindock and Henry Mindock; and eleven siblings: Adele, Harold, Helen, Henrietta, James, Leonard, Marguerite, Matthew, Ralph, Robert, and William.

The family would like to thank the Swift Creek Health Care Facility staff for their care of Jack. Their expertise, kindness, and compassion were an integral part of Jack’s final days.

A private Catholic funeral mass with military honors will be held in Cary, NC where his daughters and their families will pay their final respects.

Jack will be interred next to his wife at Forest Lawn Cemetery in LaSalle, IL.

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