Jack Rockne Metso, known to many as simply Rocky, passed away June 1st, 2025 at Essentia St. Mary's Hospital Duluth, peacefully with his family by his side. Born September 19th, 1949 to Esther and Hagen Metso. Jack came into this world with farming ingrained into every fiber of his being. He raised dairy cattle right alongside his grandfather, father and uncles and later transitioned to beef cattle. He graduated from Barnum High School in 1967 and enjoyed the many reunions over the years. Jack was drafted into the Army and in early 1972, while stationed at Fort Meade in Maryland, Jack met Dawn Seek at a dance hall called Blob's. They married May 6th, 1972 and moved back and forth between Maryland and Minnesota until they settled on the Automba farm and built their forever home. Jack worked as a lineman for REA which later turned into Lake Country Power, retiring in 2012 after 36 years. Jack and Dawn raised five children together and passed along their love for animals and farming in some way to each of their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed meat raffles, Sunday morning breakfasts at Black Bear, and listening to 'Blackhoof' wherever they played. He enjoyed visiting extended family in the country of Finland. He loved his toy tractor collection and looked forward to the Christmas catalog of Outback Toys to come. He especially loved making the trip to Pennsylvania to visit family and to go to Outback Toys in person.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife Dawn, his parents, and his sister Marie Paulson. He is survived by his children, Michelle (Darrel) Metso-Berry, Althea (Robert) Dahl, Donald Metso, Melissa Akurugo, Alexis (Jesse) Metso-Olson and "sixth child" Lori Carbaugh. His grandchildren, Elizabith (Keith) Sullivan, Julieanna (Levi) Westerberg, Carly Berry, Matthew Berry, Jasmine Metso-Akurugo, Bode Metso, Victoria Metso, Cooper Dahl, and Ava Metso. Two great grandchildren, Scarlett Sullivan and Waylon Sullivan and was looking forward to the birth of a third, Meadow Westerberg due in July 2025. His sister Marsha Partin and many relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at the Moose Lake Covenant Church. Visitation will be from 9:00 until the 11:00 service preceding military honors. A luncheon to follow until 2:30. There will be a private burial.