Gregory F. Newton

Gregory “Newt” Newton of Hastings, MN passed away peacefully on February 20, 2021 after a lengthy illness. Greg was born December 13, 1953 in Waterloo, IA to Richard and Mary (Cox) Newton. He married the love of his life JoLyn Klinzing in 1974 and moved to Minnesota in 1995 where he made Hastings his home. Greg was a skilled carpenter and a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters locals 1835 and 322 for over 45 years. He took great pride in his work including historic restoration of the LeDuc Mansion carriage house, James J. Hill House, Todd Field and the River Falls Public Library. He was often the life of the party, loved to laugh and had a personality and heart big enough to match his physical stature. He made friends easily and if he could tease you it meant you were in. He enjoyed summers spent boating on the St. Croix River with his family, watching his son and granddaughter play hockey, cheering on the Minnesota Wild, woodworking, cooking, music, gardening, fishing and time spent outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, JoLyn; daughter, Jessica; son, Adam; daughter-in-law, Tiffany; and the apple of his eye, granddaughter, Haylee Jo. He is also survived by brother, Mark (Marsha) Newton of Cedar Falls, IA; sister, Deb Newton of Mora, MN; mother-in-law, Barbara Sieh of Traer, IA; sisters-in-law, Rhonda (Merlin) Benning of Waverly, IA and Kim Vrbicek of Cedar Rapids, IA; several nieces and nephews, hockey “sons” and many great friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Newton; brother, Kevin Newton; and niece, Eloise Newton. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 2:00-5:00 pm at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street in Hastings. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Prescott Nursing & Rehab, Regina Benedictine Living Community and United Hospital who have helped to care for Greg over the last 8 months.