John "Jack" Bell passed away on Nov. 19, after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 77 years old.

Bell was the long-time senior corporate counsel for GELCO Corp., at one time the largest fleet leasing company in the U.S., which was acquired by General Electric Credit Corp. in 1987 for $414 million. Bell joined GELCO in 1969 and worked there until 1983. Prior to joining GELCO, Bell worked at General Mills in its transportation department, where he managed the company fleet. GELCO was the fleet lessor for General Mills. Bell left GELCO in 1983 and subsequently worked in a law firm and several other non-fleet-related positions.

Bell retired in 2003, but continued to be involved in politics, notably working on Norm Coleman’s political campaign, who was elected as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota, serving from 2003 to 2009. In addition, during retirement, Bell worked as a legal and business consultant for a number of companies.

Bell served in the U.S. Marine Corps. from 1956 to 1959 and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He is survived by his wife, Bev, and four adult children.