By Anna Saclolo
There is a security person in this Minnetonka High School, he has long red hair, blue eyes, and a sense of humor that just won’t quit. His name, Joe Juranitch. Joe told me he loves working here in Minnetonka. But some students tend to misjudge Joe. I seriously think that it is because when Joe does his job, there is no talking your way out of trouble. Ya see, Joe’s job is to make sure that students aren’t going to the log to smoke, that students have parking permits, and that students aren’t tearing it up, basically.
I interviewed Joe, and we did some talking. I learned that in his life of 34 yrs., (8-17-61) he’s had a life of meaningful intense experiences that he has only grown from. Joe was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and lived there until he was 15yrs old. Then his family moved to Ely, up by the Boundary Waters. In school he was the Class clown, maybe even king of mischief.
After high school in 1982, he attended Vermillion Community College for one year, then he went to Bemidji State for one quarter. In his college days he got caught up in drugs, alcohol, and fights. So his girlfriend Lori, (now his wife) thought that they should move to Minneapolis Minnesota, where her mother lives. They did. Then Joe went to Normandale, because Normandale places people with jobs. So he ended up cutting lawns for a while. Joe told them to call though, if anything else came up.
In the meantime, Lori had been reading the Bible to Joe, and she at one point said, “Joe, either it’s your dope and booze that need to go, or I need to go.” Joe had to really think about how he wanted his life to be. He thought of Lori and his well-being. It was then he became strait-laced with the help of the Lord, with Lori building his inner strength.
Then Joe received another call from Normandale. They said “How would you like to work security, at a high school?” He said, “Sure! I bet that beats mowing lawns!”
The security company hooked him up with Mr. Boyle here at Minnetonka for an interview. Mr. Boyle hired him and after the first yr. he was asked to stay on full time.
Joe has been working here ever since 1986. I definitely have a couple more things to tell about Joe…he sent in a resume for mascot of the Minnesota Vikings in 1993. They called him and asked for a photo. Once they saw the photo he was hired. He also holds the world record for shaving with an ax!!! WOW! By going through these life experiences, Joe Juranitch has become quite an unforgettable character.