Pitzen, Phillip (1913-2012)

PITZEN, MICHAELS, OSWEILER, PROCTOR

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/17/2012 at 18:47:56

Phillip Pitzen
January 04, 1913 - October 20, 2012

Newell, Iowa

Phillip M. Pitzen, age 99, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the Newell Good Samaritan Center in Newell, Iowa.

Phillip Matthew Pitzen, the son of Joseph John and Anna (Michaels) Pitzen, was born in St. Peter, Minnesota, on January 4, 1913. Shortly thereafter, he was also baptized in St. Peter. At a young age, Phil moved with his family to Storm Lake where he lived his youth and received his education. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School at the age of 16 and continued his education at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. Phil earned his bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in botany at Buena Vista. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army during World War II and also had the distinction of playing in the Army Band.

On November 11, 1942, Phil married Doris Osweiler at St. Columbkille Catholic Church at Varina, Iowa. This couple was blessed with three children: Mary, Joseph, and Philip. Following their marriage and while Phil was in the service, they resided in Colorado but later moved to Clinton, Iowa, where Phil worked at Schick General Hospital as a lab technician. He was honorably discharged in 1945, and the couple moved to Pocahontas where Phil worked in a shoe store. For the next forty-nine years, Phil and Doris resided on their farm between Newell and Storm Lake where they were engaged in farming and raised their family. After they retired, they spent the next ten years at their condominium in Storm Lake. Since 2006, they had made their home at the Newell Good Samaritan Center.

Phil was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Very gifted musically , he directed St. Mary’s Men’s Choir and played in the Storm Lake Municipal Band. He also served as their treasurer. Phil was a lifetime member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. In addition, he held a membership in the Elks Club and the Newell American Legion.

Phil enjoyed cars, dancing, and traveling. He and Doris enjoyed many European trips as well as trips to Alaska. His family held a very special place in his life, and he showed his love and support for them by attending many baseball games and others activities in which his grandchildren and great grandchildren participated.

Phil’s life and memory will always be celebrated and cherished by his family which includes his wife of seventy years, Doris, of Newell, Iowa; his children: Mary Proctor, of Storm Lake, Iowa, and Philip Pitzen, and his wife, Joan Skogstrom, of Des Moines, Iowa; his grandchildren: Christopher, Angela, Matthew, Joshua, and Susan; and his great grandchildren: Marcus, John, Tom, Kathryn, Sarah, Susan, Jacob, Tanner, Elizabeth, Grace, Mattie, Joseph, and Lauren; as well as his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joseph, in 1965; and his twin brother who died at birth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Phil’s name to the Newell Good Samaritan Society.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 p.m., October 22, 2012, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., October 23, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Interment: 12:00 p.m., October 23, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Copyright © 2012, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes

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