John Thomas Leitzen, 80 of Rochester, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024, at Season's Hospice Home.

John was born on October 18, 1943 in Rochester to Leonard and Eleanor (Rolstad) Leitzen. He attended Catholic grade school and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1961. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving four years total, two of which were based in Tachikawa, Japan. On November 26, 1966 he married Arlys Herrick at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. John worked for IBM Rochester in various roles for almost 30 years. John could fix anything. He was an accomplished carpenter, loved gardening, and especially traveling in his RV to sites across the US and Canada and traveling worldwide to destinations including Russia, Ukraine, South America, Antarctica, China, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. For a time, he and Arlys lived in Italy.

He is survived by his wife Arlys, his sons Russell (Sarah), Keith (Sara), Jeremy, grandchildren Brianna, Charlotte, Madeline, and his sister Mary (Keith) Walton.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother William (Marge).

The Funeral Mass for John will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester. Visitation will be held on Monday evening, January 8, 2024 from 5:00PM until 7:00 PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home along with one hour prior to the Mass at church. Burial will be at St. Margaret's Catholic Cemetery, Mantorville, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Season's Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, or donor's choice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com