John Francis Bamrick

John Francis "Jack" Bamrick, Ph.D. 91 of Rochester, MN and formerly of Dubuque, peacefully passed from this world on Friday evening, March 23rd, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 28th, 2018 at Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Visitation is will be from 4:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 27th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be on Thursday, March 29 at 11:30 am at Sacred Heart cemetery, Rockwell, Iowa with military honors accorded by the Rockwell American Legion.

John was born in Dougherty, IA on December 15, 1926, to Martin ("Jimmy") and Bridget (Gallagher) Bamrick. John was one of nine children, born and raised on the family farm (Siblings: Martin, Mary, Joe, Richard, Helen, Rose Ann (Bridget), Marge and Paul). He attended primary education at a one-room schoolhouse, and secondary education at Sacred Heart Academy, Rockwell, IA, graduating in the class of 1945. Following high school, John served in the U.S. Army (1946-'48) and was stationed in Frankfurt Germany, where he decoded encrypted messages. Through the support of the GI Bill, John was able to attend Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and graduated in the class of 1953 with a B.S. (Major in Biology). John received his M.S. from Marquette University, 1955, and a Ph.D. (Zoology) from Iowa State University in1960.

John married his true love, Eunice Ermer, on Dec 29th, 1956, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rockwell, IA.

John's career at Loras College (his 2nd true love) began in 1956, when he joined the Faculty in the Biology Department. Early in his career, John enjoyed summer research and educational opportunities at Iowa State, Ohio State, Oregon State and Colorado State Universities, and, later in his career, a sabbatical at Iowa State (where he was sure to take in a Cyclone athletic event or two). John was an enthusiastic supporter of Loras College athletics- go DuHawks! While working at Loras, he served on a committee to support a coeducational campus, which became a reality in the Fall of 1971. John inspired countless students to go onto careers in medicine and research.

John loved Loras students and his fellow faculty members. He frequently enjoyed a round of golf at Lacoma, travels abroad, and most especially, visits to his ancestral home of Ireland with his wife and daughters. He was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers and Iowa State Cyclones. He tipped a cold beverage at the DuHawk Den, and enjoyed a good Manhattan at the Moracco on Friday evenings.

John is survived by Eunice, his wife of 61 years, and his children: Margaret (Brad) Yocum, Jane Hein, and Tom (Deb) Bamrick. John was adored by his 6 grandchildren: Timothy (Maddi), Stephen (Alejandra), Marlee (Will), Wyatt, John and Elyse. John's siblings, their spouses, and in-laws will miss him dearly.

A memorial in John's name is set up at Loras College to support scholarships for female students pursuing a degree in Science.

A heartfelt "Thank You!" goes out to the staff of Seasons Hospice, Rochester, MN, the nursing staff at Shorewood Commons Assisted Living, and to Dr. Juan Bowen (Mayo Clinic) for supporting and guiding us through the final chapter of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather's life.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.