Donald Paul Lotz, age 68 of Karlstad, MN passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, December 6, 2021, in Denton TX with family by his side. Don was born December 24, 1952, in Minneapolis MN, where he lived until his graduation from West High School. He was a soft spoken, quiet man who loved to tease and joke. He could have an entire conversation with only ever using two words, yep and huh. Don was the oldest of four; a brother who always watched out for his siblings, was kind and inclusive. Don held jobs ranging from paper carrier in Minneapolis, to wrangler at Camp Voyager, to sheet rocker in Hibbing MN, to his life-long career as an over-the-road trucker. He made many friends across the USA and Canada. Don tried his hardest to be a good father, brother, uncle, and son. He is preceded in death by mother Renee Landwehr Lotz Murphy and father William Donald Lotz. Survived by: Children, Lisa Adolphson of St. Paul MN, Jerry (Stepheny) Lotz of Pine City MN, Brandon (Melissa) Lotz of Braham MN, Sarah Lotz of Shakopee MN, Gina Lotz of Forest Lake MN. Siblings, Cynthia (David) Ritchey of Fergus Falls MN, Francey (Mike) Tinsley of Coon Rapids, MN, John (Natalie) Landwehr of Corinth TX. Many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A memorial gathering will be held January 5, 2022, from 5-7PM at Coon Rapids United Methodist Church. Located at 10506 Hanson Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. In remembrance of Don, please wear jeans, as that was his favorite thing to wear. The facility requires face masks to enter, due to Covid-19.
7 Responses
My brother was the model of what a big brother should be. He always asked if I could go with him, rather than asking to leave me behind since I was able to walk, with wobbles. He taught me how to walk, run, bat and catch a ball, ice skate, play hockey, steer a wagon, ride a bike and a horse; drive a car, boat, motorcycle, truck, and many types of go-carts. I learned how to wax a toboggan and sled to go the fastest and farthest. and then to do the same with anything motorized. learned how to deliver a newspaper, and to collect for the service. I learned not to be afraid in life and I learned how to be a leader and friend. There is not much he did not take the time to teach me, even was afraid or not very good at the task.
I miss my big brother, but my memories and love for Don will continue through the rest of my life.
Don DEFINITELY was a tease!! I was the recipient of one of his biggest jokes! I love him.
Don was my brother, best friend, and teacher. Don used to ask if he could take me with him, from the time he taught me to walk. Don taught me to walk, steer a wagon, ride a bike, throw and hit a ball, skate and play hockey, drive a car, truck, motorcycle, and boat. Don started me teaching me to drive a vehicle when I was 5 years old on the various go carts, He and My Dad made me. Don always let me be the one to find out how fast something to go, weather it was motorized, gravity, or the well waxed bottom of a toboggan or sled. Most importantly, Don taught me to not afraid and always have confidence in my self. Don taught me to be a man and a father. I will miss my brother but always have him with me in my thoughts and heart.
We are so very sorry for your loss. I know loosing a brother, whether you’re close or not is difficult. It’s a tie to where you came from. May you all remember loving memories of him.
Don was the type of friend everyone wanted and I was blessed to have, a friend who helped his friends and was easy to talk to and just plain fun and it didn’t matter what you were doing, Don had a zest for life and shared it with all.I miss my friend and still reach for my phone to call him.
I think of the conversations we had it was always entertaining to say the least.
A great guy who I was thankful to have for a friend.
Rest in peace my friend.
Don was my Dad. I never fully appreciated saying that until recently. Not because I didn’t value and appreciate him as my father. But because he chose to be my Dad the day he adopted me and gave me his last name. He didn’t have to choose to do that. Yet he did. He sacrificed so much for us growing up. Always out on the road to provide us the best life possible. I especially remember the going over the road with him. Adventures out there like getting stuck at weigh stations, teaching me to check the semis tire pressure, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, being laid over for a few days and going to see the movie Field of Dreams. I remember building kitchen cabinets and a kitchen table, the Lincoln logs he made for my brother and I, the room he made for us, going with him when he helped John do his basement in Minneapolis and getting to pick out our dog Ashes. So many memories. Thank you Dad for choosing to be my Father. I love you and miss you. Love Jerry.
I have many fond memories with Don. He was a kind,helpful,generous person I had the privilege to work with him doing drywall .rest in peace my dear friend .you will be missed