John Fitzgerald, 85
John M. Fitzgerald, 85, of New Prague, died Monday, June 16, 2008, at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague.
John was born January 20, 1923, at Rochester, a son of William A. and Kathleen Rosemary (Moonan) Fitzgerald. He attended Rochester Public School and the University of Minnesota. John married Mary A. Mach May 5, 1951, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. He was an attorney, practicing law in New Prague for several years. He also served in the state legislature from 1957-1963 and as a district court judge for the 1st District for 30 years (1963-1993). John was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot in World War II. He was a member of numerous organizations over the years, including New Prague Rotary, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, district and state bar associations, the St. Wenceslaus Church Choir, New Prague Library Board, Cannon Valley Girl Scout Council, MN State Centennial Committee 1958, Scott County Historical Society, Minneapolis/St. Paul Archdiocese Pastoral Council and on the board of directors for the State Bank of New Prague.
He is survived by his wife; children Maureen (Richard) Hunt, Blair, NE, Erin (David) Smith, Parker, CO, Brigid (Dr. Tom Stoy) Fitzgerald, Little Falls, Sheila Fitzgerald, Tinley Park, IL, Megan (Wolfgang) Bittermann, Austria and John (Lisa Mazzola) Fitzgerald, Broomfield, CO; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers Patrick (Veronica) Fitzgerald, Golden Valley and Michael (Lois) Fitzgerald, Mound; and two sisters Kathleen (Con) Terrien, Elmhurst, IL and Dr. Sheila Fitzgerald, Mendota Heights.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister Rosemary Morris.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, with Father Frank Roach offering the Mass of Christian Burial. Urn bearer will be son John M. Fitzgerald. Interment will be at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 20, and from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.
