Obituary: Donald "Jack" Carter

Donald “Jack” Carter, 91, of Cloquet, passed away peacefully with family at his side on July 7, 2024, at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton. A lifelong resident of Cloquet, Jack was born Oct. 17, 1932, to Art and Lois Carter.

Jack is known by many as the owner of Carter’s TV and Appliance, which opened in 1957 and served Cloquet and the surrounding communities for nearly 40 years. He was also a co-owner in the family businesses: Carter Trucking Company, Carter’s Inc., and the Carter Building.

A veteran and private, first class, Jack operated heavy machinery for the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He quickly became one of the most popular soldiers around, especially after he began driving a truck delivering beer to the bases. Upon his honorable discharge, he resumed driving truck for the family business, delivering coal and limestone for Northland Industries from 1951 to 1957.

On July 21, 1956, Jack married the love of his life, Darlene Meyer of Le Sueur, Minnesota, a local teacher at Leach School in Cloquet. Together they started a family and shared many years of traveling adventures, experiencing the sights, tastes, and local cultures on five continents and across 49 states.

When not spending time at the cabin on Big Lake, Jack could be found attending the sporting events, concerts, and recitals of his seven grandchildren. In his free time, he loved spending time in his workshop. A skilled wood artisan, he crafted priceless toys, furniture, and keepsakes for his family.

In 1996, Jack and Darlene moved to West Duluth and became the on-site property managers at Ramsey Townhomes, where they lived until Jack’s retirement at age 88. They then moved back to Cloquet to Evergreen Cottages.

Jack’s most cherished accomplishment was his family. He was a loving, caring, and generous father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He leaves a legacy of integrity, demonstrating through his life what it means to be honest, fair, kind, and humble. Jack’s impact on those he encountered will endure forever. His presence and kind heart will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Darlene; his son, Richard Carter, and daughter-in-law, Jeanne; his daughter, Cathy (Carter) Maccoux, and son-in-law, Dan; and his daughter, Cindy Carter, and fiancé, Duane Norgren. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amanda (Tim) Johnston, Eric (Andréa) Carter, Christian Carter, Olivia Maccoux, Claire Egesdal, and Carter Egesdal; and his great-grandchildren, Wyatt Johnston, Brooks Johnston, and Nieve Carter.

Jack was preceded in death by his angel daughters, Mary and Theresa; his granddaughter, Traci Maccoux; and many other cherished family members and friends.

A memorial service begins at 11 a.m. on July 18 with visitation one hour prior to the service at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that any memorials in Jack’s honor be sent to North Country Ride, attention: Jack: Back in the Saddle, 180 Hatinen Road, Esko, Minnesota 55733.

To sign an online registry please visit, http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net. To read a recent Pine Knot News story about Jack, see http://www.pineknotnews.com/story/2024/05/17/people/at-age-91-jockey-still-riding-tall/11170.html

The family is grateful to North Country Ride http://www.ncride.org) and its incredible staff, volunteers, and, of course, horses. Thank you for bringing great joy to our 91-year-old jockey, Jack, and for helping him get back in the saddle again.

Editor's note: Jack Carter was featured in a recent Pine Knot News story. Read it here: https://www.pineknotnews.com/story/2024/05/17/people/at-age-91-jockey-still-riding-tall/11170.html