John Charles (Jack) Cvancara, 88, of Ross, ND, passed away on June 2, 2024 at Mountrail County Medical Center in Stanley, ND.

Jack was born April 8, 1936 to Joe and Antonia (Slemin) Cvancara at the family farm south of Ross, ND. Jack was the 5th of 10 children. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Ross and Palermo, and graduated from Ross High School in 1953. On June 7th 1955 he volunteered for the US Army and proudly served his country from 1955-1957 when he was honorably discharged. While in the army he was stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ, and then sent to Fort Chaffee, AR, where he was trained as a radio operator. He was also selected to be part of Queen Anne’s Drill Team and performed at special events. After his time in the service, he met his wife of 63 years, Judene (Judy) Moore at Ponchos in White Earth, ND. They were married May 31,1961 at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Stanley, ND. They purchased a farm near his parent’s farm south of Ross where they raised their 5 children.

Jack loved his life on the farm. As well as farming Jack and Judy raised beef cattle and milked cows. Jack also worked off the farm as a bus driver, at Farmers Union/Cenex, custom combining, Tri-City, and during the drought of the 1980’s worked at Glacier National Park (a job he truly loved). He was also the “unlicensed community” vet for Alger and Debing Township. Even though Dad was a busy man he always made time for the little things in life that turned out to be the big things. He would send the kids to dig for worms while he finished up the milking and still catch an evening of fishing with them. He would stop what he was doing and take the time to see what you needed, help with or teach a life lesson. Dads favorite time of the year was spring when it was calving, branding or anything else that would involve cattle but most importantly that’s when all of the family would gather together, drink beer and smack talk.

His favorite activities were, fishing, gardening (weeds were the biggest produce out there), hunting with the boys, (which he followed his own rules), and trying his luck at the casino where he had very little luck, (casino 20- Jack 0). If he won everyone knew it. Jack loved to dance, they were members of the Swing and Twirl Square Dance Club. He loved a good Polka and a good game of horseshoes. He was an Eagle Scout, Scout Master, involved with 4-H, on the Alger Township Board, Soil Conservation Winner, but he was most proud of being a part of the American Legion and representing the Military during the Memorial Day and the 4th of July parades every year except this year. Jack was a very patriotic man and you stood for the Flag no ifs and or buts unless you physically couldn’t. Dad’s all-time favorite job was being a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and rancher.

Jack is survived by his wife, Judy of Ross, ND; children, Jana Cvancara-Olson (Barry) of West Fargo, ND, and their family, Alex (Morgan) and August Sailor of San Diego, CA and Kyle Olson of West Fargo, ND; Jaci Nichols (Robby) of Stanley, ND and their family, Drew (Kelsea) Abel, Layla and Jax Nichols of Stanley, ND; Landon, Asher, Swayzi, and Suede Nichols of Watford City, ND; and Whitney (Chris), Kiplee, Koier, Kuf, Kaper, and Kue Nordloef of Stanley, ND; Rowdy (Melanie) Cvancara of Sidney, MT and their family, Chase (Shannon) Brantley and Brielle Cvancara of West Fargo, ND; Malorie (Casey), Avalynn and Haisley Peterson of Sidney, MT; Jaret (Candy) Cvancara of Williston, ND and their family, Dawson Cvancara of Ray, ND; Payson Cvancara of Ray, ND; Lindsay, Sophia and Alex Falcon of Williston, ND; and Caitlin and Aniyah Falcon of Williston, ND; brothers, Dennis (Barb) Cvancara of Phoenix, AZ, and Clark (Kathy) Cvancara of Cold Spring, MN; sister, Marjorie Jaha of MI; many nieces, nephews, in-laws, outlaws, cousins, neighbors, friends. I’m sure we may have missed a name or a title but know that you all were held near and dear to him.

Preceded in death and lovingly reunited with his son, Kip Cvancara; and grandson, Jaxon Cvancara; his father and mother, Joe and Tony Cvancara; brothers, Paul, Vic, Joe, and Bob Cvancara; sisters, Rose Aaberg and Alice Frandson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andy and Myrtle Moore; also, by so many animals but to name a few: Scooby, Mooch, Blue, Tripper, and Lady.

Dad you were the hardest worker we knew. You are so loved and will be so missed. But we are so excited for you to be reunited with Kip and Jaxon. Thank you for all you’ve done.

Memorial Contribution