Jack R. Duis

Jack R. Duis, 57, Moorhead, MN, passed away April 24, 2005. Jack was born October 21, 1947 in Fergus Falls, MN. He graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1965. Jack married Wanda Morlock from Sykeston, ND, on March 13, 1976.He enlisted in the Army in July of 1969 and served his country as a Forward Observer. Jack extended his stay in Viet Nam and served his second tour as a Sergeant in Battery B 1st Battalion 82nd Artillery Division. He was awarded numerous accolades during his service which included four Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and many prestigious awards for his outstanding service to his country. Jack retired on September 29, 2000 as a First Sergeant with over 20 years of service in the North Dakota Army National Guard, Foxtrot Battery 1st Battalion 188th Air Defense Artillery Division.Jack attended Moorhead State University and graduated in 1984 from the University of North Dakota School of Law at Grand Forks. In June of 1987, Jack was appointed District Counsel for the U.S. Small Business Administration in the North Dakota district. Jack was also teaching law classes at the University of Mary in Fargo and Grand Forks, where all the students were so fond of him.Jack's continued commitment to the Army was demonstrated by staying in the Army Reserves as a First Sergeant, rather than becoming an officer in the JAG Corps. He stayed with his men expecting them to do only what he could do himself. If his troops did 100 push-ups, Jack would do 102.By the time Jack was 16, he was dismantling and rebuilding engines. His extensive collection of auto parts and cars continues to this day. He was the president of the Midwest Wild Bunch Racing Club. Racing was his passion, start your engines was his motto, and his cologne would be best described as burning rubber and exhaust fumes.Jack loved competition whether it was swimming, boxing, power lifting, or as you know drag racing. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. HE enjoyed his peaceful times in the Boundary Waters and loved exploring new territories while cruising on his RoadStar motorcycle. Jack's compassion for animals was enormous. Every creature was accepted into the "Jack and Bunny Animal Shelter".The only thing Jack would put before drag racing was his love for his wife Bunny, aka Wanda. Their marriage was a perfect match for 29 years. He is survived by his wife, Wanda; son, George, Woodbury, MN; sister, Jill Jenkins, Santa Fe, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge George and Gloria Ludemann Duis.