John Apitz

Profile Updated: January 22, 2018

Residing In:	Mendota Heights, MN USA

Spouse/Partner:	Mary B. Magnuson

Occupation:	Attorney/Lobbyist

Children:	Nicholas & Zachary, born April 7, 1999. 18-year old twins have a way of opening one's eyes More…

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I have spent the past 50 years in politics - campaigns, staffing officeholders, promoting causes and, now, as a lobbyist - who would have guessed.

It is a fascinating world, but one that has become overgrown with self-service, petty infighting and short-term objectives. Still, the process works, year after year - a tribute to the genius that conceived and first defined it. We are truly fortunate, that way.

I have been privileged to work with some of Minnesota's best - Senator Hubert Humphrey, Cong. Tim Penny, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Senator Norm Coleman - all good people. And, above all, I was privileged to work for Pres. Jimmy Carter - a great world citizen.

I was blessed to be joined on this journey by a beautiful and brilliant woman, Mary Magnuson. Her goal was more lofty than political life - thus, our twins - Nick & Zach, (I am all ears for advise from classmates who have already travelled this path.)

The reunion will be fun! Allot of our stalwart friends have been endeavoring for months to pull together a great party. I hope you can come. I look forward to seeing many old and dear friends.

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School Story:

I remember hearing the Gestures play at the Mankato Amory when I was in junior high. "Run, Run, Run" made it to the top of the charts across the US and UK. I thought that was cool enough for any kid and, so I played in a rock 'n roll band through high school, across Minnesota and Iowa.

("Putter" Durenberger, "Shag" Smith, "Billy" Steiner were local rock heroes... they still are!)

And, thanks to Judy Lucas for staying up late, to laugh into the night/morning, after we got home. She was a wonderful friend to grow up with through those years.

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John Apitz has left an In Memory comment for Deb Johnson Anderson.

Mar

30

Mar 30, 2026 at 8:36 AM

Deb certainly was a beautiful person, full of joy sith a spot of mischief. I recall her helping a family who lost their home in New Orleans during the Katrina hurricane. They decided to move to Colorado after the disaster and Deb offered them help finding a new home. She always cared and was willing to help for little more than an ask. Rest well, old friend. The world is better for your time here.

John Apitz has a birthday today.

Feb

18

Feb 18, 2026 at 3:33 AM

John Apitz added a comment on Profile.

Feb

11

Feb 11, 2026 at 9:16 AM

John Apitz posted a message.

Feb

07

Feb 07, 2026 at 12:05 PM

Wishing you the best Birthday, yet, Jim!
Keep Rockin'!

John Apitz posted a message.

Jan

08

Jan 08, 2026 at 10:35 AM

Hey Milt, congrats on another spin around the Fireball.

Keep rockin'!!

John Apitz posted a message.

Dec

04

Dec 04, 2025 at 12:26 PM

Wishing you the happiest of birthday, yet!

Have fun, get crazy and keep rockin’!

John Apitz posted a message.

Aug

12

Aug 12, 2025 at 8:42 AM

Happy, Happy Birthday to every girl and boy.
"Hope this very special day, brings you lost of joy.
Hope the birthday presents you get from Mom and Dad
Will be the very special things, the best you'vbe ever had."

Happy Birthday, J... keep Rockin'!

John Apitz posted a message. New comment added.

Aug

02

Aug 02, 2025 at 4:28 PM

Posted on: Aug 02, 2025 at 10:46 AM

Happy Birthday to a Great Baker and a fine Human Being!!

Keep Rockin', Don!!

John Apitz posted a message.

Mar 27, 2025 at 11:07 AM

Happy Birthday, Ernie. Keep Rockin'!!

Jane Ziesmer Graff

Jane Ziesmer Graff posted a message on John Apitz's Profile.

Feb 18, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Finally got your birth date straight! Have a wonderful day celebrating! Best wishes!

John Apitz has a birthday today.

Feb 18, 2025 at 3:33 AM

John Apitz posted a message.

Aug 12, 2024 at 2:51 PM

Wishing you the Happiest Birthday, yet...l and many more returns of the day.

John Apitz posted a message.

Mar 27, 2024 at 9:21 AM

Congrats on another run around the Sun, Ernie!

Keep Rockin’!

John Apitz has a birthday today. New comment added.

Feb 19, 2024 at 6:46 AM

Posted on: Feb 18, 2024 at 3:33 AM

John Apitz posted a message. New comment added.

Nov 05, 2023 at 3:33 PM

Posted on: Nov 05, 2023 at 11:53 AM

Have the Happiest of Birthday's, Mona!

And, many happy returns of the day!!

John Apitz posted a message.

Aug 25, 2023 at 12:22 PM

Hope you have the Happiest of Birthday yet, John. And keep rockin'!

John Apitz posted a message.

Aug 17, 2023 at 12:02 PM

Happiest of Birthdays, Peter... keep rocking'!!

John Apitz has left an In Memory comment for Profile.

Aug 09, 2023 at 8:55 PM

Cindy was one of the quiet, solid, unsung members of our class... and had a life well lived.

Rest in Peace, Cindy.

John Apitz has left an In Memory comment for Connie Timme.

May 15, 2023 at 10:59 AM

Connie faced life's challenges with grit and grace. We travelled from kindergarten tthrough Senior Year together. She kept smiling through good times and difficult ones. Rest Peacefully, Friend.

John Apitz posted a message.

Mar 27, 2023 at 9:28 AM

Happiest of Birthdays, Ernie!

Keep Rockin'