John G. Pollack

Almost Perfect. The soft spoken, generous, family focused, suspender wearing John G. Pollack has vacated his chair, no longer making jokes or passing out quarter tips.

John, 90, of Le Sueur, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2026 at home surrounded by family. Born September 6, 1936, in Mankato, Minnesota he was the third child of Frank and Dorothy (Winter) Pollack. He graduated from Le Sueur High School in 1954, and then attended South Central College, being the first person from Le Sueur to do so.

Growing up west of Le Sueur, John’s family moved several times. His favorite move was at age 10 to a location with electricity and running water, “I was never interested in tent camping after that.” Another memorable move was when the family returned from a year in Missouri, “They were different down there.” His final move was in 1970 to the farm he lived on for the next 56 years (and will stay in the family).

After school John worked as a machinist, farmer, and more, eventually retiring from the MN Department of Transportation. When asked if there ever was a job or company he didn’t like, he responded, “I never had a problem with the people I worked with.” At home John was busy as the head mechanic and general maintenance person. He was resourceful and could fix or repair almost anything using items on hand, except for what always seemed to be one small piece requiring three trips to the hardware store.

John did not consider himself “smart” but was one of the most intelligent people you will ever come across. He was an avid consumer of local and worldwide news and enjoyed learning about a variety of topics. He once asked a daughter a question about peanuts that led to another planting some in her garden and regularly sharing updates on her experiments. There were inventions as well, he figured out how to make a mower that would go around guardrail posts while on a recent drive. John appreciated people he could share information with and learn from, making his Friday coffee group a weekly highlight.

Service to the community was part of John’s everyday life. He was a frequent blood donor, giving over 29 (documented) gallons, making it a priority to donate as often as eligible. John quietly contributed to organizations and worked with others to support community members in need. His most impactful contributions were made as a machinist in his own shop, where he had equipment to “turn anything metal.” John spent his retirement assisting with school projects, helping neighbors replicate one-of-a-kind pieces, and mending or fabricating items for local farmers that couldn’t afford new. He was honored to share his knowledge with students, friends, neighbors, and others who happened by. John was proud to be the person he would have liked to have had in his early life.

One of the most notable years in John’s life was 1977. This was the year that John, a founding member, helped the Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Association officially become a non-profit. More importantly, he married Debra (Harkins) Pollack on August 26, 1977. Together they raised their family and even 20 years after Debra’s death, John still attributed all of the success of his children to their mother. The affection must have gone both ways as the Pioneer Power show was often on their wedding anniversary but Debra encouraged John to attend the entire weekend (with the understanding that flowers would be delivered before it started). Even when no longer physically active with the show, John was one of its greatest promoters. There is not a person John ran into or met that did not know about the show before they parted ways.

As an adult John traveled extensively. Some trips were more “business” related and involved purchasing or hauling some of his prized tractors or implements, but many were for personal enjoyment. He visited many states with the highlight being a Hawaii island-hopping plane tour. He and Debra traveled around Australia on an amazing multi-month trip. John’s children took him to a variety of places including: Alaska, Panama, Canada, New Zealand, and Punta Cana. Recent trips included a windmill convention in Texas and lots of day trips with grandchildren. John was always ready to travel and is now on an adventure that we hope brings him peace.

We’ll always remember him being “almost perfect” and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

John is survived by his children, Emily (Tim) Pollack, Beth Pollack, Sarah (Jake) Pollack and Nick (Becky) Pollack; 7 grandchildren, Greg, Samantha, Adalyta, Garrion, Saoirse, Eyreton, Indeera; sister, Rita (Jim) Schultz; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Debra; parents, Frank & Dorothy; brothers, Clete and Donald; niece, Jane.

All are invited Thursday, November 5, 2026 to First Lutheran Church in Le Sueur. Visitation is 1:30 – 3:00 PM with memorial service at 3:00 PM, followed by dessert and coffee. Internment will occur at a later time.

A celebration of life is planned for September 2027 at the family farm to continue the tradition of an event that John looked forward to every year.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to plant a tree to honor John's legacy. All donations will be used to purchase trees for the family farm and Pioneer Power.