John J. DuBois

John DuBois ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by McNearney - Schmidt Funeral and Cremation on Mar. 3, 2026.John J. DuBois, age 84, of Shakopee, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, surrounded by the love of family. A man of quiet strength, playful humor, and deep devotion to his family and community, John leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and countless memories shared with those who knew him.John was born in St. Paul, MN, on September 2, 1941, the son of Arthur and Mary (Cavanaugh) DuBois. He was raised in Shakopee, where he developed a lifelong connection to the community he would later serve. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Long Beach, California. From 1959 to 1962 he served aboard the USS Yorktown, traveling on several tours to Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan.John married his high school sweetheart, Jane Kelzer, on September 22, 1959, at the Church of St. Mark in Shakopee. Together they built a life centered around family and the town they both served. Their years together were filled with family gatherings, laughter, and the many shared moments that come with a life spent side by side.In July of 1963, John was sworn into the Shakopee Police Department, beginning a career that would span nearly three decades. He served the City of Shakopee with honor, courage, and integrity until his retirement on January 2, 1991. Although he spent almost one year as Police Chief, his true passion was detective work, where his calm demeanor, steady judgment, and natural instincts served him well. Throughout his career he earned a reputation for going above and beyond the call of duty, dedicating himself to protecting and serving the town he cared deeply about. Even years after his retirement, people would often tell him they remembered him as a fair and honest police officer.Outside of his work, John was a man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was known for his quick wit, his steady and thoughtful presence, and his reputation as a bit of a practical joker, something that followed him from his younger days, through his years on the police force, and well into retirement. Even during difficult times, he could usually be found with a smile and a joke ready to lighten the moment. He was genuine, loyal, and strong, but also kind and quietly wise. Those who knew him well also knew his stubborn streak and his love of giving people a hard time-always in good spirit.John loved reminiscing about his boyhood days spent along the Minnesota River, stories that often brought both a soft smile and warm nostalgia. Later in life he enjoyed walking the trails through Memorial Park near the river he loved so much. An avid outdoorsman, John filled his free time fishing and hunting with his sons and friends. In the early years of his retirement, he and Jane also enjoyed spending winters in sunny Florida, where he could often be found fishing or out on the golf course.In his later years, John found joy in the simple routines of everyday life: weekly trips to Sam's Club that often ended with the latest gadget or two, nights out at Dangerfield's, keeping his yard in good shape, and sharing stories (and of course, always a few laughs!) with friends and family around the kitchen table. At home, Fox News was almost always playing in the living room, part of the familiar soundtrack of the house.Above all, John valued the people around him. Through his years in law enforcement and throughout his life as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, he made his mark on the lives of many. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him and loving him.John is survived by his wife, Jane (Kelzer), and children, Tim (Patti Koskovich), Tonya (Ted Klotz), Troy (Patti Nash), and Jason; grandchildren, Georgia Klotz (fiancée, Dustin Goodwin), Stevenson "Stevo" Klotz, Heather Neal, Sarah (Garrett) Zins, Gabrielle DuBois (fiancée, Armando Corrado), Tyler Nash, Angela Nash, Samantha DuBois, Michael Froseth, Maximus DuBois, and Graham DuBois; great-grandchildren, Willa and Asher Neal, Tayzha DuBois, Camdyn, Hazel, and Haven Zins, Mya and Cohen Nash; brother-in-law, David Lindsay; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary; brother, Albert "Tubby" DuBois; sister, Patti Lindsay; and grandchild, Tanner Nash.Visitation Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 10:00AM-12Noon, at Church of St. Mary, 535 Lewis Street South, Shakopee; Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00Noon. Livestream of the mass will be available on the McNearney-Schmidt Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/McnearneyFuneralHomeAndCremationServicesFull military honors provided by the Shakopee Veterans Honor Guard.Reception will be held at Dangerfield's, immediately after the mass. A private family interment will be held at the Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Salvation Army or Tunnel to Towers, two organizations John proudly supported.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.