Joseph Ralph Lutwitzi

DODGE CENTER, Minn. - Joseph Ralph Lutwitzi, 73, passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness on July 18, 2018, at Fairview Care Center, in Dodge Center, where he resided for many years.

Joe was born Feb. 27, 1945, in Ironwood, Mich.

He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda L. Grabrick, on April 12, 1969. They moved to St. Louis Park, where their daughter, Rae, was born. The family then moved to Rochester, where Joe worked for LewBonn Electronics. They returned to Ironwood, where Joe started his own business.

Once again, the family moved to Rochester, where Joe worked for Interstate GMC, now Dave Syverson Truck Center, until his retirement in 2000.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe loved hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and both water and snow skiing. He was also a passionate Green Bay Packers fan.

Linda and Joe traveled several times to Hawaii, which was their special spot prior to Joe's illness.

Joe is survived by his wife, Linda of 49 years; their daughter, Rae Dondlinger and granddaughter, Morgan Dondlinger, all of Rochester; and a sister, Connie Wilcox, of White Bear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ina Lutwitzi, and numerous aunts and uncles.

A funeral Mass will be held on Sunday, July 22, at 3 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Father Thomas Niehaus officiating. Visitation will be held starting two hours prior to the Mass in the chapel. A luncheon will follow the service.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Memorials are preferred to the family.

Special thanks to the staff of Fairview Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the many years of exceptional care.

Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com.