John Paul Szatkowski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Paul Szatkowski, 70, on July 22, 2023, surrounded by love as he battled early onset dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

John was a kind and strong man, devoted to and survived by his wife, Yvonne Szatkowski, daughter, Robin (Mike) Richards, and granddaughter, Rowen Richards, even during his struggle with dementia.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John was adopted by Anita and Edward Szatkowski. He discovered his passion for music early on and rocked the keyboard in bands and jazz jam sessions throughout his life, even learning accordion to be a more mobile musician.

After serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War, he married Trudy Davis. They experienced great loss with the tragic death of their first baby, Paul John, but welcomed their daughter, Robin, in 1982.

After an amicable divorce, John remained a present and engaged parent, and after Trudy's traumatic passing in 1987, he took full custody and devoted himself to raising Robin.

In 1988, John married Yvonne and they built a beautiful life together. He had many hobbies like photography, woodworking, motorcycle riding, camping and traveling. He also owned his own business as the Belleview Barber.

After an early retirement, John moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, but then relocated to Minnesota to be closer to Robin and Mike.

John's greatest joy was the love he shared with lifelong friends and his small family. He will be deeply missed and cherished for the impact he had on their lives.

Visitation will be held at 3:00 pm, service at 4:00 pm, followed by a reception, on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. Live streaming of the memorial service will also take place, you may find the link directly below the obituary on Starkson's website to view. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for a charity of the family's choice.