Julius Witkofsky Obituary

Julius Wayne Witkofsky

1936-2025

Julius Wayne Witkofsky, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at Maple Woods Assisted Living in Deer River, Minnesota where he spent his final month of life. He was born on September 19, 1936, in Bena, Minnesota, to Hazel V. and Julius L. Witkofsky. His family moved to Grand Rapids in the mid 1950's where he graduated from high school. He then completed an electrical apprenticeship at Oliver Mining Company.

Jules met his beloved wife, Frances Nikich, at the roller rink in Grand Rapids, MN, and they were married on December 31, 1960. Together, they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. After spending their early years in the Minneapolis area, Jules and Fran moved to their home near Grand Rapids where they raised their three children: Lonny, Laurie, and Theresa.

Throughout their marriage, Jules and Fran enjoyed camping at local campgrounds and fishing on Leech Lake and Lake Winnie. Jules loved to duck and deer hunt, but deer hunting was a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.

Jules worked as an electrician in the open pit Iron Range mines for many years until they closed. He and Fran then relocated to Cloquet, MN, where he spent the last 15 years of his electrical career at USG. Upon retirement, they settled near Deer River, where Jules kept busy gardening and tinkering on various projects in his barn and garage. He also had a deep love for his large yard and enjoyed people commenting that it was as pristine as a golf course. Known for his hard work and handyman skills, Jules always found something to do, and his grandchildren often enjoyed asking and hearing about the latest project he had been working on.

He is survived by his loving wife, Fran Witkofsky; his children: Lonny (Teresa) Witkofsky, Laurie Wright, and Theresa (Bryan) Major; four grandchildren: Clayton (Poppy) Witkofsky, Mitchell (Marcie) Witkofsky, Andrea (Jack) Carter, and Megan (Andrew) Grothe; and six great-grandchildren: Colby and Ryder Witkofsky, Maddox and Mavric Witkofsky, Elise Grothe, and Brooks Carter; and his brother, Robert Witkofsky; and his sister, Ardelle Langdon.

Jules is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Delores Bolka and his brother Warren Witkofsky.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Maple Woods in Deer River for their exceptional care and to Essentia Health Hospice for their special care in Jules' final days.

Jules will be deeply missed by his family and all those who knew him. His love, humor, and hardworking nature will forever remain in their hearts.

In lieu of services, the family will honor Jules' request that family and friends just remember the good times, the laughs and love that was shared, and all of the memories that were created.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.