John Joseph Quirk Sr.

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/Q_1csSTcQu4 

John Joseph Quirk Sr, 78, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully Sept 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born September 11th, 1947, in Grand Forks, ND to Casey and Sylvia Quirk. He grew up on the family farm in Mallory, MN and attended school at Sacred Heart Catholic school graduating in 1966.

John joined the Navy in 1967 where he served as an Aviation Store Keeper on the USS Ticonderoga in Vietnam. He was then stationed at Quonset Point, RI and through his best friend, Guy Ellis, he met the love of his life, Nancy Ellis. John and Nancy were married in 1969 and were absolutely inseparable. It was very rare to ever see one without the other. Through that union came 4 children. After John got out of the Navy they moved back to Mallory, MN for a short time before moving to Grand Forks where he and Nancy built their life together and raised their family. Throughout John’s life he had different careers, the longest being a night foreman on the loading dock at Bridgman Creamery until they closed, and then for the City of Grand Forks in the Public Works Dept for over 21 years where he retired in 2014.

John was a quiet man, it was once said that he was quiet because Nancy never met a stranger, would talk to anyone, and wouldn’t let him get a word in. He had a very strong work ethic that he passed down to his children, had a quick wit, was a prankster, and had a great sense of humor. His “dad jokes” would make everyone roll their eyes and laugh and he took great pride in that. John enjoyed bowling, going to the lake, going to his grandchildren’s activities (even if it meant sitting on the soccer sidelines in the cold ND weather), watching the Vikings, Westerns and playing Candy Crush where he would very proudly boast that he was on level 9,000 something.

John’s family was his pride and joy. John was an incredible husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather. He took immense pride in his children and the lives they built.

John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, his children, Ann (Dean) Higginbotham, John (Shelly) Quirk, Bonnie (Jason) Gallagher, and Fred (Melissa) Quirk. Sisters, Paulette (Michael) Lindquist, Susan (Bev) Quirk, 12 grandchildren, 2 great grand-children, and numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Through his example, he taught us how to laugh, enjoy life, and love one another. He was the very best husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed immensely.

A service to remember and celebrate his life will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 1:00pm at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND. Visitation with the family will be held an hour prior to services, with refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in memory of John to either the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.