John “Jack” Halbkat Jr., 87, of Webster, passed away, Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Webster.
Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Webster. Interment was at St. Otto’s Cemetery near Webster.
Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, closing with a 7 p.m. wake service at Fiksdal. Funeral Service.
John Franklin Halbkat Jr. (also known as Jack) was born on July 26, 1938, to John Sr. and Marian (Koehane) Halbkat at Peabody Hospital in Webster, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Otto’s Catholic Church and attended St. Otto’s Parochial School through the eighth grade. He later attended Webster High School, graduating with the Class of 1956. Following high school, Jack continued his education at South Dakota State University, where he pursued a degree in pharmacy.
On June 17, 1961, Jack was united in marriage to Mary Bowar at St. Otto’s Catholic Church in Webster. Together they were blessed with four children: John III, Kathryn, Mark, and Matthew. In 1962, John earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from SDSU. They briefly made their home in Aberdeen, where Jack worked for Walgreens Pharmacy before returning to Webster to join his father in the family pharmacy business.
In 1972, Jack purchased the family pharmacy and faithfully served the Webster community for the next 20 years. He later continued his career with Kmart Pharmacy in Watertown and eventually with Econo Foods Pharmacy, retiring in 2011 after an extraordinary 50 years as a pharmacist.
Jack was a lifelong Webster Bearcat fan who rarely missed his children’s sporting events and activities. He was also a devoted supporter of SDSU athletics and looked forward to attending Hobo Day festivities each year. While attending SDSU, he was a proud inaugural member of the SDSU Statesmen Men’s Chorus.
Jack enjoyed fishing, annual hunting trips West River, and spending time tinkering on projects around the house and at the family lake cabin. He was an avid reader, appreciated a meritorious meal, and had a passion for classic cars, especially the time he spent with the Cruising Classics Car Club. Jack also gave generously of his time to his community, serving on the Webster City Council and as a member of the Lions Club and Webster Jaycees. Jack was a lifelong member of Christ the King Catholic Church, serving several years on the parish council. He and Mary especially enjoyed traveling during his years serving as president of the South Dakota Pharmacy Association Board.
Jack will be remembered for his impeccable sense of humor, genuine kindness, and warm heart. Above all else, he deeply cherished his family.
Jack passed away on Thursday May 7, 2026, in Webster, South Dakota, at the age of 87 years, 9 months, and 11 days.
Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife, Mary of Webster; his children: John (Darla) Halbkat III of Huron, SD; Kathryn (Jon) Baker of Glendale, AZ; Mark (Sue Robertson) Halbkat of Paynesville, MN; and Matthew Halbkat of Webster; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Kathleen Fischer of Highlands Ranch, CO; Mary Lawson of Sioux Falls, SD; and Tom (Elaine) Halbkat of Omaha, NE; as well as his brother-in-law, David (Carol) Bowar of Seattle, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, and three brothers-in-law.
Fiksdal Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.