John passed away on May 27th in Fergus Falls, MN, at the age of 73. He lived in Minneapolis with his wife, Renee, and their two dogs, Audrey and Lily. 

John was born on June 8th, 1951 in Minneapolis, MN to Leonard and Elenor Dittrch (Mezey). 

John grew up in St Bonifacius, MN, attending Waconia High School class of 1969, then moving on to Mankato State College (now Minnesota State University, Mankato) graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. He then continued his education at North Hennepin Community College working on his Masters in Fine Arts. He would go on to work as an Art Director at K-Tel Records, then finishing the last 24 years of his career as VP of Creative Services at Walker InStore. John happily retired in the summer of 2018. 

John loved spending time at his favorite place in the world, his cabin or “summer home” on East Battle Lake in Minnesota. He enjoyed boating, kayaking, taking long walks with his dogs Audrey and Lily, and enjoying chai tea with milk. He also enjoyed hiking State Park trails and visiting museums. Above all, he enjoyed doing all of his favorite things with his best friend and wife of 48 years, Renee. 

John and Renee were huge supporters of the art community in Minnesota. They were members at Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the American Swedish Institute, where he and Renee also volunteered.

John is preceded in death by his mother Elenor (Mezey), father Leonard, and brother Tom. 

Survived by: his wife of 48 years Renee (Dumont) and their two dogs Audrey and Lily; his only son Timothy John “TJ” and Timothy's partner Jewels LaSota, and John’s favorite granddog, Djuna Bug. Also survived by his sister Barb and her husband Charlie Dixon, and his sister Connie and her husband Mark Kruse, along with numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews, brother in-laws and sister in-laws. 

A Celebration of Life for John will be held Thursday, July 31st from 2pm-5pm at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis (2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407). Light refreshments will be served, including John’s favorite Swedish meatballs. The family invites anyone with thoughts, memories, and stories to please come prepared to share during the event. The family also invites everyone to take a free tour of the Mansion starting at 3pm until 8pm.

In lieu of flowers, please direct all Memorial Contributions to the American Swedish Institute in honor of John by calling 612-871-4907.