John Primos Lautigar

John Primos Lautigar of Forest Lake, Minn. passed away peacefully on March 8 surrounded by his family. John was born on March 15, 1941 to Angeline Josephine Lautigar and John Andrew Lautigar of McKinley, Minn.

John graduated from Gilbert High School and attended Eveleth Junior College. He continued his education at Winona State Teachers College at the urging of his high school coaches. There, he majored in math, minored in physical education and was an All-American football player. He also received a Master of Education degree from St. Thomas University.

John married Nancy Joanne Strle at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Virginia, Minn. on Aug. 3, 1963. Soon after, John accepted his first teaching role at Alden Conger in Alden, Minn. where he taught math and coached wrestling, football and basketball.

In 1969, John and Nancy moved to Forest Lake, Minn. and he continued his career in education as a math teacher and coached football, track and wrestling. He often attributed much of his professional success to his coaches and mentors and his involvement in sports. Inspired by his many mentors, he strived to help his students and athletes discover their full potential. Through that process, he developed life-long relationships with these individuals and many colleagues over the years.

John created a beautiful life for his wife, three daughters and later their families at their home in the community where he created a sanctuary from a sandy, barren two-acre plot. That home and neighborhood became a gathering place for family and friends for over 56 years.

His family was his greatest gift. He was active in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved supporting their interests and cheering them on from the stands. He also loved Minnesota sports teams, particularly the Golden Gophers.

John never missed an opportunity to lend a hand and share his knowledge and expertise. He enjoyed traveling, working in his yard and gathering with cherished neighbors and friends.

John is survived by his wife Nancy; daughters, Allyson (Dave) Wilson, Lisa (Dave) Hultgren, and Nicole (Todd) Martin; grandchildren, Matthew, Lauren, Jonathan, Megan, Joseph, Miah, and Tanner; great-grandchildren, Hudson, Charlotte, and baby Howe arriving this fall; sister, Julianne (Russ) Peterson; brothers, Richard (Diana), and Robert, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, John and mother, Angeline; brother-in-law, Bob Strle; sister-in-law, Sandy and many family members and friends.

Visitation 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 with a Catholic prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. John’s life will be celebrated with a service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Forest Lake. Interment at Biwabik Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to support the Forest Lake Athletic Program, gifts will benefit the football and track stadium. The school can only accept checks mailed to the address below.

Forest Lake Area Schools

Attention: Joy Mouch

6100 North 210th Street Forest Lake, MN 55025

Memo: John Lautigar Memorial