Johnny Piatz

John Michael "Johnny" Piatz

Long time Towner, North Dakota resident, John Michael “Johnny” Piatz died Friday, January 18, 2013 at the age of 96 years at the Trinity Homes of Minot, North Dakota. He was born to Michael and Johanna (Keller) Piatz on November 2, 1916 in Martin, North Dakota.

Johnny was raised in the rural Fillmore, North Dakota home of his parents and received his education in a country school near his home. On June 18, 1940, he was united in marriage to Marie Meyer at Brinsmade, North Dakota. Following their marriage, they started their life together farming in the Fillmore area. In 1947, the couple purchased the Fillmore Grocery Store and in 1951, they purchased the Bremen Bar also. Along came 1953, when Johnny and Marie moved to Towner, North Dakota and purchased the Blue Moon Cocktail Lounge which they operated until their retirement in 1966. Following retirement, the couple enjoyed travel throughout the United States and several foreign countries, spent many winters in Arizona, enjoyed their Lake Metigoshe cabin where he spent countless hours pulling the children and grandchildren skiing and tubing. Johnny was a passionate hunter and fisherman. Marie died May 31, 1990.

Johnny was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, the Catholic Order of Foresters, a 50 plus year member of the Minot Elks Lodge, a 30 plus year member of the Towner volunteer Fire, Ambulance & Rescue Squads and was one of the 13 original Directors of the Towner Rodeo Association which was established in 1961.

He is survived by his loving family which includes one daughter, Joan Nord of Prior Lake, Minnesota, three sons, John Jr. (Barb) of Minot, Larry (Nydia) of Towner and David of Onamia, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; brother-in-law, Helmuth Gries; sisters-in-law, Barbara Piatz, Marlys Piatz, Ester Piatz, Irene Risovi and Jean Meyer. He was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Rosemarie; brothers, Frank, Wendelin, Mike Jr., and Edward Piatz; sisters, Lena Neis, Kathryn Hoffart and Agnes Gries; sons-in-law, John Nord and Roger Vedquam; and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 25^th at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner with spring burial in the church cemetery. Fr. Michael Schommer, Celebrant and Msgr. Fr. Joseph Senger, Concelebrant

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Towner with a rosary and parish vigil service beginning at 7 p.m.. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of services at the church on Friday.

Posted Condolences:

Larry and Family I never met a nicer couple than Marie and Johnny. They were sure helpful to the VFW when they could. They were a big help at the VFW 300 club dinners. They wanted to help veterans as they had family members that were veterans. They were sure good dancers. We have missed them over the years. God bless this wonderful couple
Sam and Linda Thomas

To all of Johnny's Family. Bless the memories you have, I'm sure there are many. I will miss visiting with him at the home. His face would light up when we talked about Towner or his good dancing. Bless you all Sincerely Jeanette Brothers

Joan, John, Larry and David. Because of commitments I have here in Sioux Falls this week, I will not be able to make it home for your dad's funeral. Your dad and mom were a wonderful couple, always making room for your friends in there home or cabin. Please know I will be thinking of you on friday
Rod Voeller

Joan, John, Barb, Larry, Nydia, David and grandchildren, know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you these two days and days ahead! I have many wonderful memories of Uncle Johnny. I am excited that he is with the love of his life, but sad that you are losing your father. Take care and know that I am with you today and tomorrow in spirit!
JoAnn Randall

LOVE TO ALL..WILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT...WELL THE CIRCLE IS NOW COMPLETE ...LOTS OF MEMORIES WITH THE PIATZ CLAN...THIS REUNION WILL BE GREATER THAN ANY NAMES DAY PARTY THEY ALL ENJOYED FOR YEARS...MARLYS PIATZ

To Johnnys family, Johnny was a great neighbor, to my parents and always had a smile on his face , thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Connie Wolfe-Johnson

I just learned of John's death this week and would like to pass on my deepest sympathy to a wonderful family. I have many fond memories of Johnny and Marie. They were both so full of life and fun to be around. They raised a wonderful family with David being my best of buddies through grades 1 to 5 when I moved from the community. Johnny and Marie worked hard for the Towner community and had scores of friends. I am proud to say that I was one of them.
Tom Watson

john and marie were wonderful to me. memories of marie, overnights with david, my boyhood friend, the lake cabin, and earliest memories of afternoon vists with my grandpa to the bar, sometimes had to wait outside. smiles and beach boy records. thanks piatzs. grant albrecht

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