John “Jack” Little, 86, of Austin, Minn. died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, at his home.

John Warren Little was born July 29, 1926, in Minneapolis to Warren C. and Violet Ann Victoria (Steele) Little. He graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis in 1944, and then received his B.S. in business/education in 1951 from Northern State Teachers College. He taught for four years in Mobridge, S.D. before receiving his M.S. in education/administration from Northern State Teachers College in 1956. Jack taught at the college while working on his master’s. In 1956, he accepted a job at Austin High School teaching math and then taught math at Ellis Middle School for 25 years. He also taught business, typing, golf and swimming.

John married Elaine Loney in Roberts County, S.D. on Aug. 1, 1951. They met while sitting alphabetically in a psychology class. The couple raised 3 children.

An avid golfer, Jack liked playing bridge and cribbage, attending theatre, reading, and his many adventures in travel during retirement. He was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday school and adult Bible study, and served as president/secretary of the church council. He also was a member of the Minnesota Education Association. Jack was a diabetic for 71 years and he participated in several research projects to help doctors understand the disease.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine of Austin; son, Bruce (Phyllis) Little of St. Paul, Minn.; daughter, Mary (Bill) Hansen of Ironwood, Mich.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Warren and Violet, his daughter Barbara in 1976 and his sister Jeanne.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Todd Portinga, A.I.M., officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials can be directed to the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, or recipient of donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.