John William "Jack" Couture

John (Jack) William Couture was born to Marian (Krause) and Stanley Couture on March 7, 1935 in Ironton, MN.  He was the youngest of 6 children. 

Jack grew up fishing, playing basketball and participating in the high school band. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of MN. He graduated with a degree in music education and began his teaching career in Pelican Rapids, MN. He was the high school band director and also taught math until the band program became so large that he taught music full time. He married Juliann Thompson Sorum on May 19, 1968 and instantly became Dad to her three small children; Nikki, Todd and Donald. Later, they became parents to Cindy.

Jack was active in the community as choir director at Trinity Lutheran Church and as a charter member of the Lions Club. Retiring in 1991, Jack and Julie split the year between winters in Mesa, AZ and summers at Agate Lake near Crosby, MN. While in Arizona, Jack enjoyed hiking, woodworking and serving on the Beautification Committee. In Minnesota, Jack loved going fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Traveling and meeting new people was a favorite pastime of Jack’s. He enjoyed experiencing different cultures, trying unique foods and swapping stories with others. Jack will be remembered by his family as a witty storyteller and devoted husband and father.

Jack died peacefully surrounded by family on June 27, 2023 at the age of 88 in Crosby, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; Marian and Stanley, brothers Eugene, Kenneth, Rodney and James; sister Charlene; sons Todd and Donald Sorum.

Jack is survived by his wife of 55 years, Julie.

Daughters: Nikki Sorum (Simon Foster) and Cindy Eldridge (Mike)

Grandchildren: Marielle (Isaac), Sam (Madeline), Davis, Lucas, Julia and Lucia

A memorial gathering will be held on July 2 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Koop Funeral Home in Crosby, MN.  A Memorial service will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN with visitation at 1:00 p.m., memorial service at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception with light refreshments. Memorials in Jack’s name can be made to the Pelican Rapids School Fund or the University of MN Marching Band.

Memorials in his name can be made to the Pelican Rapids School Fund https://wcif.org/fund/psf/

or the University of Minnesota Marching Band scholarship fund https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=7309

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