Dr. Joel Locketz

Dr. Joel Locketz, DVM, age 70, of Minnetonka, a devoted and loving husband, father and friend. Passed away unexpectedly May 12, 2013. Dr. Locketz was born on Sept. 23, 1942, and was a lifelong resident of the Twin Cities area. He opened the Animal Medical Clinic in Uptown Minneapolis in 1970 and was well known for the compassionate care he provided to countless animals -- and the kindness and generosity he showed to their owners -- over his 40-year career in veterinary medicine. He also volunteered with various animal-related groups and was a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. But his greatest joy came from his family and friends, and he particularly loved spending time fishing with them. He will be remembered always and greatly missed by loving wife and best friend, Sheila Gittleman Locketz; daughters, Mara Locketz, Ellen (Robert) Gittleman Noll; sons, Garrett Locketz of Tel Aviv, Marc (Tamara) Gittleman; sisters Rochelle (Jim) Landy, Clarice Rice; in-laws Georgianna Dolejsi; pets Ginger and Newton; and many many dear relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Ethyl & Louis Locketz, and Jan Locketz Dolejsi, his wife of 20 years. Funeral service at 1 p.m. TUESDAY, May 14, at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2324 Emerson Ave. S., Minneapolis. Memorials may be directed to the Minneapolis Jewish Family and Children's Service, Can Do Canines or The PACER Center. SHIVA at the Locketz residence on Wednesday and Thursday night at 7pm. Rest in peace. We love you.