Thief River Falls – John Lubitz, 73, of Thief River Falls passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls with his loving family by his side.
The funeral to celebrate John’s life was held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Rev. Ale Tulu officiating. Burial will follow at Holt Cemetery, Holt.
John Lawrence Lubitz was born June 1, 1947 in Thief River Falls, the son of Lawrence and Angeline (Augustine) Lubitz. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and confirmed at Silver Creek Lutheran Church. John attended his first 4 years at Steiner Country School, then to Holt School and graduated from Newfolden High School with the class of 1965. He then attended Vocational Technical College in Thief River Falls for carpentry.
On July 28, 1968, John was united in marriage to Sandra A. Sourdif at Silver Creek Lutheran Church. They made their home on the Lubitz Family Farm in Section 22 Excel Township, Marshall County. He lived on the home place his entire life.
John worked at various places in Thief River Falls over the years including F.W. Woolworth’s, Land-O-Lakes Elevator, carpentry work until 1983 and Hardware Hank for the next 27 years, retiring in 2008 due to health reasons. During those years, John and Sandy also worked at Pathfinders Group Home in Thief River Falls.
John enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, dancing, curling, snowmobiling, playing cards, spending time with his loving family, he especially enjoyed singing with his grandchildren, and he loved to BS.
He was a member of Silver Creek Lutheran Church where he held multiple offices including president. John later became a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was also active in 4-H, Curling Club, Community Education Council, firearms instructor, Newfolden Rod & Gun Club, volunteered at the TRF Area Food Shelf and Meals-on-Wheels and with his wife, Sandy, John was first to start AAL at Silver Creek. John has been a life-long member of the Eagle’s Club #2368 in Thief River Falls where he held multiple offices at the local and district level.
Survivors include his loving wife, Sandy; children, David (Michelle) Lubitz and Dean John (Dawn Archibald) Lubitz; grandchildren, MacKenzie Lubitz, JeAnna Lubitz and Zachariah Lubitz; brother, Terry (Joan) Lubitz all of Thief River Falls; and many other relatives and friends.
John is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Linda Pacanowski, LuAnn (James) Giles and infant sister Mary Margaret.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
A00003B2021FB3