Maurice Wayne Gonitzke, age 81 of New Richland, MN, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 17, 2022 in Lake Mills, Iowa.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
Maurice Wayne Gonitzke was born on June 8, 1940 in Bottineau, North Dakota, the son of Henry and Alice (Brandt) Gonitzke. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Kramer, ND. Maurice attended and graduated from Kramer High School in 1958. He went on to graduate from Bottineau Forestry and went on to continue his education at UND in Grand Forks, ND.
He was united in marriage with Dorothy “Dot” Plorin in Gardena, ND. They were married for 61 years. The family made their home in Bottineau for a number of years, and then moved to Froid, Montana where Maurice was the manager of the Cenex service station and fertilizer plant. He served on the town council and as mayor of Froid for many years. After retiring from Cenex, Maurice lived and worked for 5 years in Wolf Point, MT. Maurice and Dot later moved to Culbertson, Montana where he was a supervisor for Roosevelt County Weed District, retiring in 2008.
In 2013, Maurice and Dot moved to New Richland, MN. They are active members of the Le Sueur River Lutheran Church. In their time in New Richland, they have made many new and close friends.
Maurice enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved to snowmobile. He and Dot were blessed to spend summers camping at Brush Lake, MT and in the Rocky Mountains when the children were young as well as spend winters in Texas and Arizona after retirement. The couple loved and depended on one another and achieved the greatest goal of creating a loving, happy home for their family.
Survivors include his wife Dorothy “Dot” Gonitzke of New Richland, MN; and three children: Jodi Burton of Schertz, TX, Stephanie (Brett) Gonitzke in Minneapolis, MN, and Todd Gonitzke of Ringgold, GA. He has four beloved grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Zachary (Maggie) Burton and their children Freya & Erik, Nicholas Burton, Ellen Gonitzke, and Anna Gonitzke; and many extended relatives and even more friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Alice; and two brothers Darrell Gonitzke and Monte Gonitzke.
Schott Funeral Homes in Lake Mills is assisting the family.
You can contact the family with on-line condolences at:
www.schottfuneralhomes.com
641-592-0221