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.