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Jack Van Eck has hung up his clippers, retiring from barbering after more than six decades.
By Crystal Reith After more than six decades of cutting hair, Jack Van Eck is putting down his scissors. The longtime Lake Wilson barber has officially retired, marking the end of an era in Murray County.
Several factors led Van Eck to the trade, but health was a major one. “I had asthma and was driving a gas truck, which wasn’t good for me,” he said. “My grandmother’s friend told me her son made good money as a barber, so here I am.”
Van Eck began barbering in 1963, after finishing barber school in St. Paul. He started as an apprentice under barber George Cowin and charged $1.25 for his first haircut. Eventually, he bought the Lake Wilson shop from Albert Ottilie and over the years has remodeled the space himself.
Early in his career, flat tops and military cuts became his specialty as he served as the barber for the men at the Chandler Air Base. At one point, he was cutting hair for about 200 men. Through the years, he’s offered everything from hair-cuts and beard trims to hairpieces and wig replacements, but he’s best known for his flat tops.
Van Eck said he’s grateful for the support he’s received from the community, including friends and church members in nearby Slayton.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting people and cutting hair,” he said.
Over the years, Van Eck has faced various health challenges and hasn’t been able to fully recuperate.
“I figured as long as I can turn out a quality product, I’d keep doing it,” he said. “But my health just hasn’t let me get back to it.”
Van Eck’s wife Virginia, a beautician, that runs her business out of their Lake Wilson home has taken on several of his longtime clients. As for retirement plans, Van Eck looks forward to spending more time with the couple’s two daughters and their families. He also hopes to travel.
“It’s been a good life for me,” said Van Eck.
