John Musech – A Lifelong Community Hero

John Musech was an acclaimed businessman and community leader. He had a kind heart, great sense of humor, and an affinity for Cook County.

He was a natural-born entrepreneur who built businesses throughout the area with his wife Verdella. Additionally, he was an incredibly proud father and grandfather; his memory will be deeply missed by his children and grandchildren.

Early Life and Education

John Musech was born on June 28, 1924 in Aurora, Minnesota to Ignatz and Mary Musech. As a youth he worked in their grocery store before serving in the Navy during World War II. Following that he and Verdella Jaunich moved their family to Cook where he operated his own business with support from family members and the community of Cook. John Musech was an entrepreneur and community leader who loved his family and town of Cook dearly.

John and Verdella were proud parents of nine children. He served as an inspirational role model to his kids and a great friend to them and their families. Survived by his wife, Verdella, all nine children, 21 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, John will always be remembered by those he touched.

Professional Career

John has extensive musical expertise, serving on multiple boards and owning an impressive portfolio of patents. He’s made a name for himself in high end marketing, while being an enthusiastic philanthropist with an eye for style and substance. John and Becky regularly visit NPH homes to support the charity with their goods and glitz. When it comes to musical endeavors, John is well known as both a jazz enthusiast and adept keyboard player; plus he owns a Gibson ES-339 guitar which he still plays!

Achievements and Honors

John Musech was an eminent entrepreneur, philanthropist and community advocate. He founded Tonka Bay Equity Partners, a private equity fund with a $350 million investment portfolio. Additionally, John was passionate about Saint John’s University; serving on its alumni association board and chairing its Private Investment Board.

Other notable accomplishments include designing the hydraulic giant squid in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and leading the design of Space Mountain at Walt Disney World. He was also instrumental in creating the Andrew Gaertner 88 Memorial Scholarship at AHA, established to benefit students from Catholic grade schools in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro area. This award was created as a tribute to his friend and fellow AHA alumnus who passed away in 2006. Since then, several other prominent awards have been bestowed upon him, including SJU Alumni Association’s highest accolade for fundraising success in its history.

Personal Life

John Musech was an exemplary family man, successful businessman and community leader. He held memberships in Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, the Cook Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club International.

He was the founding member of Vermilion Fairways Golf Course, a volunteer firefighter, and past president of Delano Rotary Club. Additionally, he and his wife Verdella owned several businesses in the area.

He is the founder of Tonka Bay Equity Partners, a private equity fund with $350 million under management. Drawing upon his finance and operations expertise, he strives to help CEOs “build bigger, better companies.”

Net Worth

John and Verdella Musech, entrepreneurs by nature, owned and operated several businesses in Cook and Rainy Lake County. Additionally, they were active members of their community by serving on boards such as Cook Community Hospital, Rainy Lake Area Development Corporation and the Cook Chamber of Commerce.

John was an alumnus of Saint John’s University and chaired a capital campaign for Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in International Falls. As an advocate for timeless values and personal character, John served as one of the foremost communicators on these topics to youth. Additionally, he and Verdella enjoyed playing bridge and traveling together; John will be deeply missed by his family, friends and community. Survived by his wife Verdella; nine children; 21 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, John will be fondly remembered by those close to him: Verdella; nine children; 21 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.