Gregory John Lotysz

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/YPooTMv-FjA 

Gregory J. Lotysz, 49 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Friday, August 11, 2023, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 

Greg was born on April 9, 1974, the son of John and Cindy (Beck) Lotysz in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was raised and educated in Thunder Bay. Greg came to the University of North Dakota on a football Scholarship. He played left tackle on the O-line and became a football All-American, as well as an academic All-American.

Greg signed with the NY Jets in April of 1999. He was united in marriage to Heather Johnston on May 22, 1999, at Sharon Lutheran Church. The following day, Greg left to join the NY Jets to start his professional career in the NFL.

They moved back to Grand Forks in 2001 after a career ending knee injury. He then pursued his master’s degree in Sports Psychology at UND.  Greg also served as an O-line coach for UND and mentored many local and professional athletes throughout the years.  Greg was a very determined and driven man that never took no for an answer and failure was not an option. These traits took Greg far and brought him much success.

Greg enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking and eating, eating and cooking the order didn’t matter. His greatest joy was his family, especially his wife and his children.

Greg is survived by his loving wife, Heather; children, Peyton Gregory, Olivia Grace and Lawson Heath all of Grand Forks, ND; mother, Cindy Lotysz of Mesa, AZ; mother-in-law, Glenda Haberstroh of Grand Forks, ND; sister-in-law, Wendy (Marc) Nielsen of Grand Forks, ND; brother-in-law, Nate (Kristen) Johnston of Minot, ND; niece, Hailey; nephews, Aaron, Tanner, Logan, Westin and Lucas; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Greg is also survived by numerous individuals who started as friends but became his family either on the field, on the sidelines or from the recliner in his living room. 

Greg was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, John Lotysz and father-in-law, Royce “Pete” Johnston.

In lieu of flowers a college education account for the children will be at Alerus Financial under Greg Lotysz Memorial.  

Visitation will be held from Noon - 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, North Dakota.