John V. Jack Ohnstad Estelline, South Dakota LTC (Ret.) John Vernon Ohnstad, age 75, longtime Estelline resident, died Thursday, April 20, 2006 at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Known to his family and friends as Jack, he was born April 11, 1931 at Altamont, South Dakota, the son of Clarence and Mary (Aamold) Ohnstad. As a young man Jack worked four jobs while also attending school in Estelline. He delivered coal, worked at the Estelline Bakery, worked at the dairy and ran the projector at the local movie theatre. After high school and a brief stint with the Milwaukee Railroad as a telegraph operator, he joined the U.S. Air Force. He applied for Officer Candidate School with the Air Force and the U.S. Army, being first accepted by the U.S. Army. This led to a long and distinguished career as an Army Engineer Officer and Aviator. Jack served with distinction in Korea and during two tours in Viet Nam. During his last tour in Viet Nam, Jack commanded the 68th Assault Helicopter Company, The Top Tigers. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart and many other awards and commendations. Just after Officer Candidate School, Jack married his hometown sweetheart, Phyllis Krenz on May 1, 1953. Together they raised four children, John, Jr., Pamela Bodart, Melanie Henkelman and Daniel. While in the Army, Jack and Phyllis maintained their South Dakota contacts, purchasing a farm near Gary, South Dakota, planning to retire to a life of farming. After several years of farming, they took advantage of a business opportunity in Ortonville, Minnesota, buying the Lagoona Beach Supper Club with Jack Earley. They operated the supper club on Big Stone Lake for several years as well as The Foxwood Inn in Appleton, Minnesota. After Daniel left for college they moved back to their hometown where Jack renewed farming and worked for the local hospital and nursing home until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, building projects and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the TROA and was a life member of the American Legion, the V.F.W. and the D.A.V. Jack is survived by his wife Phyllis of Estelline; his children, John and his wife Dorinda of Hanford, CA, Pamela Bodart and her husband Daniel of Green Bay, WI, Melanie Henkelman and her husband Mark of Marshall, MN and Daniel and his wife Marie of Cushing, WI; 19 grandchildren; three brothers, Jim and his wife Grace of Denver, CO, Clair of Watertown, SD, Rev. Robert and his wife Nancy of Mesa, AZ; one sister Barbara Olsen and her husband Steve of Lynnwood, WA; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson Isaiah Hunt; one sister Jeanne; and two brothers, Lawrence and Don. A celebration of Jacks life will be held at 4:00 P.M., Sunday, April 23, 2006 at the American Legion Hall in Estelline. Burial will be 1:00 P.M. MDT, Monday, April 24, 2006 at Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, SD.