Fans of the late, great Gordie Howe are encouraged by the family to pay respects inside a fitting place for the man known as Mr. Hockey.

Gordie Howe passed away Friday, aged 88. He will lay in state for 12 hours today at Joe Louis Arena, and his children will be there to greet the public.

Wednesday’s funeral service in Detroit is open to the public, but Mark Howe issued a statement Monday urging fans to say their goodbyes at the Joe.

“Gordie always had a special connection with the fans, so it was important to us to allow the public into the funeral service because it’s the way he would have done it. However, we have heard from many friends, former teammates, NHL personnel and other prominent figures in the hockey world who will be attending the service to pay tribute, so we would like to urge fans to attend Tuesday’s public visitation to ensure all looking to pay their final respects will be able to do so.”

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The children of Gordie and Colleen Howe — sons Mark, Murray, Marty and daughter, Cathy — will all be at the Joe. A team spokesman said at least one Howe family member, if not more, will be available at all times.

Howe had a career so spectacular the sport became his nickname. His career spanned five decades and 2,421 games. He is synonymous with the Detroit Red Wings, having played for them from 1946 to 1971, and leading them to Stanley Cup championships in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955. He is the longest-tenured player in Wings history. A statue of him graces the concourse at Joe Louis Arena.

The inner bowl at the arena will serve as a funeral home, with Howe lying in state in a closed casket.

After paying respects, the public can proceed to the concourse level to view the Gordie Howe statue. A Wings video team member will be on the course to record fans who wish to share a memory of Gordie Howe.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward in Detroit. According to the team, a significant part of the cathedral’s seating will be reserved for friends and family of the Howe family, as well as hockey dignitaries such as Steve Yzerman.

Gordie Howe will be cremated, as per his wish.