F. Pauline (Zitting) Tyer

TYER, ZITTING, SINK

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 3/6/2026 at 07:04:02

F. Pauline (Zitting) Tyer, 81, of Iowa City, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Lantern Park Specialty Care. Private services will be held and cremation has taken place.

Pauline was born on May 6, 1944, in Houston, TX, the daughter of Paul A. and Florence L. (Sink) Tyer. She married the late Reed Zitting in 1964. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University and Masters Degree in Theater at University of Iowa. In her earlier career, she lived with her family in Traverse City, Michigan, where she was instrumental in establishing quality and creative theater at the Old Town Playhouse with her quintessential gift as a director. There, she brought ground-breaking as well as original scripts to the stages. She is remembered for productions of “Chicago,” “Oklahoma,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest” and served as dramaturg, choreographer, and musical director for various productions. She also served as board member for the Old Town Playhouse, helping to craft sell-out seasons of beloved productions for over a decade. Pauline was a compassionate yet focused director. She had high expectations for her casts while treating them with respect, fun, and love. She was admired for her unique and creative approaches to her art.

Once settled in Iowa City, she continued work in theater, directing the original script for “Northern Belles” by Anne-Marie Oomen. She directed readings of plays by the award-winning Naomi Wallace, and assisted with script development. She played the piano and often accompanied spontaneous sessions of singers. One of her most haunting renditions was “Hard Times.” She enjoyed spending time with friends at Shakespeare’s. Pauline was a member of The Whimsical Women of Wednesday lunch group and other theater groups. She is best remembered as a mentor and immense influence on developing actors and theater dreamers. She was fearless in her advocacy of the art and the people who made that art. She was noted for her honesty and truthtelling, and her creativity and vision inspired people who worked with her to go beyond their limits. Hard times come again no more.

Pauline is survived by her daughter, Shaun Zitting of Tarzana, CA; and close friend, Michelle Shingledecker, as well as a loving circle of friends in Iowa and Michigan.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
 

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