416th Bombardment Group (L) John Joseph "Jack" Sittarich S/Sgt, Airplane Mechanic - Gunner, POW September 20, 1924 - May 5, 2013 668th Bombardment Squadron (L)

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John "Jack" Sittarich, 88

Posted: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 3:00 pm

John "Jack" Sittarich, 88, Fairmount, N.D., surrounded by his family, love and prayers, died Sunday, May 5, 2013 at St. Francis Healthcare Campus, Breckenridge, Minn.

The Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2013 at St. Anthony"s Catholic Church, Fairmount. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Fairmount.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2013 with a 7 p.m. prayer vigil at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, N.D. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Jack was born Sept. 20, 1924 at Breckenridge, the son of John and Clara (Faulkner) Sittarich. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1943. That same year, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in the European Theatre. He was a member of the 9th Air Force, 416th Bomb Group, 668th Squadron. His plane was shot down over Germany March 18, 1945, was captured and a POW until the end of the war. After his honorable discharge Jack returned to the Breckenridge area.

He married Mary Jane Schmit June 19, 1951 at St. Anthony"s Catholic Church, Fairmount. The couple operated a dairy farm near Fairmount where they raised their seven children. He continued farming until 1996.

Jack was a member of St. Anthony"s Catholic Church, American Legion, and enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with family and friends. He particularly enjoyed his military reunions, which he participated in for many years. He enjoyed following his grandchildren in their activities and the companionship of his dog, Lady.

Jack is survived by his wife Josie, rural Fairmount; seven children: Steven Sittarich, Fairmount, Jean (Dan Baumann) Sittarich, Wahpeton, Sue (Curt) Berg, Wahpeton, Connie (Marty) Madsen, Wahpeton, Kevin (Debbie) Sittarich, Fairmount, Brian (Shelly) Sittarich, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Myron (Kimberly) Sittarich, Janesville, Wisc.; 14 grandchildren; five great-granddaughter princesses; his sister, Marlene Sittarich, Duluth, Minn.; his brother, Roman Sittarich, Rock Springs, Wyo.; his sister-in-law, Pat Sittarich, DePere, Wisc.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara Sittarich; two sisters, Kathryn and Madeline; four brothers, Clifford, Anthony and Robert Sittarich and an infant brother.

Arrangements are entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Online Obituary from "The Daily News", Wahpeton, North Dakota (PDF)