Edward F. Fujan
Sunday, November 26, 1933
Date of Death:
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Age:
91 years old
Sunday, November 26, 1933
Date of Death:
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Age:
91 years old
Sunday, November 26, 1933
Date of Death:
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Age:
91 years old
Edward F. Fujan
The morning of December 15, 2024, Edward Francis Fujan passed away peacefully at the Pillars of Lakeville in Lakeville, MN at the age of 91. Ed was born in Walnut Grove MN to Frank and Marie Fujan on November 26, 1933, the middle child of six siblings.
He graduated from Walnut Grove public school, where he was very active in school council, writing for the school newspaper, and a tri-athlete (football, basketball and baseball). Upon graduation, he attended St John’s University in Collegeville, MN. From there, he enlisted in the Army to get the GI Bill. He then received his Bachelor of Science Degree from South Dakota State University and finally his master’s degree from Mankato State University.
In the late 1950’s he met the love of his life, Joleen Dudgeon at a dance, where they were immediately smitten with each other. June 7th, 1958, they were united in marriage at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.
In 1959, the first of four beautiful daughters, Deb was born in Lakefield MN, followed by #2, Patti in 1960. In 1964, Beth was born in Truman, where Ed taught school and Joleen took care of their three young children. Following a move to Rochester, MN, where he attained, in what would be his last career move at Rochester Community College, Joleen gave birth to youngest, Amy.
In the April 2015 Generations of Today, there was an article entitled Hand in Hand – Ed Fujan Built His Life Helping Others which embodied his lifelong charitable work in the church and community. Among them, The Mayor’s Medal of Honor, 2005 Bishop’s Medal, 2004 Honorary Life Membership of Knights of Columbus Award, Distinguished Service Award for MN Association for Counseling and Development and countless others.
Ed is survived by his daughters Patti (Charlie) Brown, Beth (Jeff) Kochie, Amy (John) Urlaub, grandchildren Zach (Megan) Brown, Dylan and Taylor Kochie, Tim and Allie Urlaub and 5 great grandchildren Owen, Silas, Oliver, Hunter and Finley Jo Brown. He was preceded in death by wife, Joleen, of 66 years, daughter Deb (Roland) Owens, grandson, Cody Brown, parents, Frank and Marie and siblings Margorie Ann, Delores (Henry), Gene (Teddy) and Dean.
We want, from the bottom of our hearts, to thank the great care he received from Ridges Hospital and the incredible staff at Pillar’s of Lakeville, where he resided for the last 13 months of his life.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery-Rochester.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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Condolences
The family of Edward F. Fujan has received the following condolences.
Sending my deepest condolences. I will always remember the conversations we would have when he'd come to Bruce's office. Keeping the Fujan family in my thoughts and prayers.
DEAR FUJAN FAMILY.....YOUR PARENTS WILL ALWAYS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS. WHAT AN EXAMPLE THEY WERE AS WE WERE RAISING OUR FAMILY AT ST. FRANCIS! WE LOVED THE ALWAYS CHEERFUL GREETING OF ED AND THE LOVE WE COULD SEE JO HAD FOR HIM. THEY WERE A GREAT TEAM IN CHRIST. THEY ARE NOW AT HOLY REST AND PEACE. YOU HAVE OUR SYMPATHY AND THOUGHTS DURING THESE DAYS,
LOVE JIM AND DOROTHY ARENDT
Another GREAT PERSON enters Heaven. I knew Ed principally through his membership within the Serra Club (promotes Catholic Priest & Religious vocations) of Rochester. Prayerful Enthusiasm, Humor and Christ-centered life personification. Though it has been a while, I recall ALWAYS having fun times with Ed and Jolene at our gatherings, such as at our yearly Diocese Golf and Dinner event.
Godspeed Ed!
Ed, a colleague of mine at RCC, was a cheerleader for the college--always enthusiastic, very approachable, and genuinely interested in each student he served as counselor. He was a man of deep faith and lived that faith by helping others. I am so glad to have had Ed in life. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
With Heartfelt Sympathy to All of you as you celebrate the life of your father Ed
Ed holds a special place in the hearts and memories of the Mullen Family. Over 25 years ago, when our mother, Margaret passed away, we were quite grief-stricken at the loss. We asked Ed if he would please help us during the funeral Mass by reading the eulogy my sister had written. In all of his kindness and in typical fashion, Ed said yes he would, but shared he didn't think he could do it without a dry eye. We told him that was quite alright. Ed did a beautiful reading and gave us all a precious memory! Ed was truly the hands and feet of Jesus as he journeyed through life.
May you be blessed with cherished memories of both your mother and father.
Anne Mullen Lindahl
My deepest condolences to your family on the loss of your father and grandfather. He was a wonderful man that I loved to visit with at The Pillars when I went to see my mom, Ingrid. He always had a beautiful smile and was so friendly. He also had a great sense of humor and singing voice! He will be greatly missed. Praying for your family as you grieve.
Such a special man. I was in a couple of church groups with him and he was so much fun to work with. Always had a smile on his face walking into church with Joleen. May he rest in peace holding hands with the love of his life.
My sympathy to your family. I worked with Ed at then, Rochester Community College. He and his wife were the kindest sweetest people I ever met. He always had a smile on his face.
God Bless,
Lil Bartholomew
My deepest condolences for your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Bruns Pyfferoen
During my years at RCTC , Ed was one of the nicest colleagues one could have. I can’t recall him without a smile on his face. I regret not being able to attend his service.
Familes of Ed "Smiley" Fujan,
The warmth of a lovely man who radiated a glow of goodness. His smile was legendary, it just brought you in! His humble, caring, christian nature earned him many accomplishments. His devotion to his wife, children and their families and his deep faith was paramount. Ed gave a hand up to countless people learning, he showed them a path forward to a productive future.
A blessing to know a great man with such dignity. A gift to us all!
My deepest sympathy to Ed’s family. I had the pleasure of working with him at RCC for many years. He was such a caring person, a great counselor, and his smile was nothing less than infectious. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Judy Kingsbury
Ed was such an inspiration to students faculty and staff. Always an advocate for what he thought was right. Great role model for the newer counselors. He loved his family. Went home every noon to enjoy lunch with Joleen.
To the Fuyan Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Ed at RCC.
He was the kindest man.
Blessed be his memory. ❤️
Barb Mollberg
When our dad moved into The Pillars senior living facility, our greatest hope was that he make a friend. Ed was that friend, making a positive difference not only to my dad, but also to the others he interacted with (residents and staff). What a bright light he was. I hope that someday Ed and my dad can share another beer in heaven. My condolences to Ed's family - I feel blessed to have know him for a short while.
To the Fujan Family,
My sincere condolences to the Fujan family!
your father will always be remembered as a very positive person & up beat personally. Ed had a very good humor side also. My heart reaches out to all of you.
Randy Brau
On behalf of the Vi and Eddie Reiland family we are so very sorry for your loss. Our dad and your dad counted money every week for years at St. Francis Church. Your dad was such a kind man. Always a smile and a positive word. He will be missed so very much. Please know that we are thinking of you and know all too well the pain of a dad passing.
Judy (Reiland) Wittenberger
Ed was one of a kind. A man that was loved by all. He was so strong in his faith and will be a big loss to the parish of St Francis in Rochester.