1944 Alumni Jack Little

John “Jack” Little, 86, of Austin, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, at his home.


John Warren Little was born July 29, 1926, in Minneapolis, to Warren C. and Violet Ann Victoria (Steele) Little. He graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis in 1944, and then received his B.S. in business/education in 1951 from Northern State Teachers College. He taught for four years in Mobridge, S.D., before receiving his M.S. in education/administration from Northern State Teachers College in 1956. Jack taught at the college while working on his masters. In 1956, he accepted a job at Austin High School teaching math, and then taught math at Ellis Middle School for 25 years. He also taught business, typing, golf and swimming. John married Elaine Loney in Roberts County, S.D., on Aug. 1, 1951. They met while sitting alphabetically in a psychology class. The couple raised three children.

An avid golfer, Jack liked playing bridge, cribbage, attending theater, reading and he enjoyed many travel adventures during retirement. He was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday school and adult Bible study, and served as president/secretary of the church council. He also was a member of the Minnesota Education Association. Jack was a diabetic for 71 years and he participated in several research projects to help doctors understand the disease.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine of Austin; son, Bruce (Phyllis) Little of St. Paul; daughter, Mary (Bill) Hansen of Ironwood, Mich.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Violet; his daughter, Barbara in 1976; his sister, Jeanne.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, with Todd Portinga, A.I.M., officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials can be directed to the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, or recipient of donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Notice and Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.