Justin Frederick Dudinsky

Justin Frederick Dudinsky, 49, died Wednesday, December 10, surrounded by his family in Rogers, Minnesota after a long illness.

Justin was born on October 14, 1976, to Joe Dudinsky and Cindy (Dudinsky) Mason in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Justin was a spunky kid who was full of energy and enjoyed playing all sports. He loved growing up in Minnesota and enjoyed visiting family there.

In 1995, Justin was named Minnesota Player of the Year for baseball. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins as a left-handed pitcher but opted to attend college at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri, on a baseball scholarship. He graduated from college in 2001 with a degree in Communications and lived in various cities until he settled in the Kansas City area in early 2006. Justin married Andrea Smith on July 28, 2015, in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The two were so grateful to have found their lifelong companion and best friend in one another.

He was very competitive and enjoyed working out and playing softball and golf. He was an avid Minnesota sports fan and despite his perpetual disappointment, his commitment to his teams was unwavering. He also enjoyed craft beers and checking out new breweries every chance he got.

Justin will be especially remembered for his infectious smile, positive spirit, quick wit, endless recollection of movie quotes, Seinfeld references and his kind, joyful heart.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea Dudinsky of Kansas City, Missouri, mother, Cindy Mason (Larry) of Rogers, Minnesota, sister Jill Motter of Maple Grove, Minnesota, brother Grant Dudinsky (Jessica) of Andover, Minnesota, as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, many, many friends and his daughter Keira.

Justin was preceded in death by his father.

Services will be held in Kansas City on December 20, at 12 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection Downtown, 1601 Grand, Kansas City, MO 64108. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held January 17, at 2 p.m. at Willy McCoy's, 12450 Business Park Blvd N, Champlin, MN 55301.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missouri Southern Baseball Program at: http://www.mssu.edu/advancement/giving/baseball-giving.php