John Ditzler ’58 Honored with the 2018 Armor of Light Award

Saint John’s Prep is honored to announce that John Ditzler ’58 is the recipient of the 2018Armor of Light Award.

The Armor of Light was created in 1977 by the Saint John’s Prep Alumni/ae Association as a way of recognizing and honoring individuals who have demonstrated dedication and continued service to their faith, community and SJP. Alumni/ae, faculty, parents and friends nominate each year candidates for the award.

John, known as “Cub” to family and friends, has been a longtime Saint John’s Prep supporter and volunteer. Since graduating in 1958, he has been a participant at scores of alumni/ae events and functions, offering not only his presence but also his leadership. John’s leadership and support has also benefited innumerable young men and women through his decades-long commitment and volunteerism at Laketrails Base Camp in Northern Minnesota. John met his wife, Julie, at Laketrails in 1959. Together, their support of this camp and it’s strong values of conservation and cooperation have created a safe haven for young people to explore their faith, as well as the wilderness.
Besides his work as a volunteer and board member of Laketrails John has also served as a mentor and father figure for many generations of inner city youth in Minneapolis and his community. He and Julie have also opened their home to international students and their families.
Following a successful career as a business owner, John and Julie, his wife of 52 years, are retired in Shakopee, Minnesota. They are the proud parents of five children and five grandchildren.John has served Saint John’s Prep as an organizer and leader. The classmates who nominated him said:
“…of all the projects we do, he is always in the lead. He pushes us to come together, whether it’s to support the school with alumni events like for the Maddens Golf Classic, or co-chair the Chvatal Concert for students. He is always in the lead.”

John spoke to the Saint John’s Prep Class of 2018 graduates and their families at a reception and awards ceremony on June 25. He was also on hand to congratulate the graduates after they received their diplomas during the commencement ceremony on June 26, 2018 in the Saint John’s Abbey Church.