Petch Howitz

Petch passed quietly into the next journey on January 19, 2024 after a 10 year marathon against ALS. Petch started life with a unique name, our paternal grandmother's maiden name, and he lived up to that uniqueness every day. His choice of glasses, haircuts, clothing, and sense of humor reminded us daily of his uniqueness. He graduated from Edison High School, highest honors and the University of St. Thomas, summa cum laude with a double major in biology and chemistry, held three jobs in his entire life; busboy at Jax Café, volunteer teacher in the Peace Corps, and production supervisor at the potato factory. Petch was loved by all who knew him and especially by his many friends from high school, most of whom worked with him at Jax Café. (List of names to long to print) While in college, Petch became a rock star in the band, Dick and the T's who went on to make two movies: Introducing Dick and the T's and Up from Down. After this breakout success, he left the country for the quiet of teaching science in the tiny island country of Tonga. There he met Sono, who would become his first wife and mother of his children. During his illness, Sono, along with Petch's second wife, Selga, and our sister, Peggy, held Thursday night girls time, when they would wash Petch, watch Big Bang Theory and remake his bed. Petch spent his time attending Catholic mass, shopping at Cub, going to Menards, and being home. His car could only go to those four places . He was an avid fan of punk rock, David Lynch, John Waters, Camels, exploring altered states, and bad television, especially Jerry Springer, Maury, and Cops. He and Selga raised countless cats, fish, and a few lizards (one named Norman until he laid eggs, then Norma). Their flower gardens were always the talk of the neighborhood, and the place where he and Selga loved to spend their time. Petch's final years were blessed with watching the gardens that Selga tended and the bad television. He is survived by: his wife Selga, his son Louis (Racheal), daughters Soana and Nola, their mother Sono; grandchildren Andie, Mina, Petra, and Mack; his mother Joann Howitz; siblings Steve, Peggy and John; as well as many nieces and nephews. Petch was preceded in death by his father, Robert Howitz, and sister, Susan. Even though he was a recluse, he will be missed by his family and friends and will never be forgotten. Funeral Services will be held at: Holy Cross Catholic Church 1621 University Ave NE MPLS, 55413 - Visitation at 10am, Mass at 11:00am In remembrance of Petch's life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the ALS Association.

Tributes

Petch Howitz

March 6, 1961 - January 19, 2024

Tributes

Petch Howitz

March 6, 1961 - January 19, 2024

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