Warren Edward Litynski

The Honorable Warren Edward Litynski, 81, of St. Peter, MN passed into glory on May 18, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family and friends. 

Born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin on Independence Day, 1936, he was a 1954 graduate of Shorewood High School and then served in the United States Air Force for four years. After his military service he attended the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse with a degree in social work and then completed his education at the University of Minnesota where he obtained his law degree.  He resided in St. Peter, MN from 1966 until his death.  In 1966 he joined the law firm of MacKenzie & Gustafson and became a partner in the firm in 1972.  He was appointed to the district court bench in 1979 where served until his retirement in 2005. 

Warren was an active community member in the Lions Club, chamber of commerce, the Jaycees, toastmasters, as well as an active member of both Trinity Lutheran and Resurrection Lutheran churches.  He served on many boards including various judiciary boards, the Mankato Lutheran Home and Teens for Christ.  He was passionate about his faith and was a Bible Study Fellowship leader for twenty years and was active with various other bible studies and mission projects. His judicial legacy will be earmarked by several things, notably his belief in the Minnesota Teen Challenge as an alternative to jail time. It was his insight and perseverance to develop the Guardian Ad Litem program that would be beneficial for children who needed a voice in the court system.  The program is currently in use throughout the state of Minnesota. 

He loved spending time with his family and there are many happy memories – numerous family vacations, innumerable games of cribbage and bridge, his sense of humor which was bone dry and infectious, family holidays (especially Thanksgiving where he would devour the crisp succulent turkey skin fresh from the oven).  Most importantly, he had a deep love of Jesus Christ and devotion to God which he shared with friends and family in word and more importantly, actions.

He was preceded in death by his father, Casimir Litynski; his mother, Georgia Richardson Litynski; and his brother, Gerald Litynski. This beloved husband and father is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Sharon; his sons, Eric and Kirk (Kelly); his daughter Lisa (Tom) Berscheid; as well as several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Service will be Wednesday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (511 S. 5th St) in St. Peter. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the St. Peter Funeral Home in St. Peter and will resume at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. There will be a lunch following the service and burial with military honors will be at Greenhill Cemetery in St. Peter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, Attn: Donor Accounts Coordinator, 740 E 24th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404 and River of Life Lutheran Church, 830 Sunrise Drive, St. Peter, MN 56082.