Jerry Lee Pitzer died on April 1, 2023. Doctors can say many things about the cause of the death but those who knew him know he died of a broken heart. That heart has now been mended as he has been reunited with his true love, his wife Hallie.
Born on March 28, 1942, in Flora, IN, Jerry Pitzer remained a Hoosier at heart his entire life. In addition to his beloved wife Hallie S. Pitzer, he is preceded in death by his cherished parents Ida “Ike” and Robert Sheets, brother Glen Pitzer, sister-in-law Joan and wonderful in-laws Lavina and Loren Brown.
Jerry graduated from high school in 1960 and joined the United States Army. It was the honor of his lifetime to serve his country and he carried that pride with him every day. While serving as an MP in the Army he began exchanging letters with a young woman in Ohio. In 1966 he made, what he called, the smartest decision of his life and married her and they shared 55 wonderful years together.
Jerry was the proud father to two girls – Karla Wells (Dola, OH) and Karrie Pitzer (Boulder, CO) – he was the best girl dad. He instilled in them a quick wit, showed them how to love fully, and taught them to always stick up for the little guy. He adored his granddaughter Keleigh (Robert) May and she remained Poppy’s girl until his final breath. Many have said the girls hit the jackpot with parents and grandparents and they concur. Their hearts are very heavy but they find peace that the two most special people in their lives are together again.
In addition to his daughters and granddaughter, Jerry is survived by his beloved sister in-law and brother-in law Coralyn and Roger Meier (Arlington Heights, IL), lifelong friends Tom and Margaret Gronniger (Kokomo, IN), one of kind son in law Jeff Wells (Dola, OH), many special nieces and nephews and countless, countless friends.
A group of very special people knew Jerry as Poppy – his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They kept him young, made him nervous whenever they walked with open beverages, and always provided laughs. To Zach (Lauren), Larry (Madalyn), Hunter, Alivia, Fischer, Remington, Brennan, Peyton, Paisley and Presley – Poppy loves you very much and he and Nana will now watch over you together. Kara Fry may you find peace on your journey.
Jerry spent the majority of his adult life in Bellefontaine. He gave back to the community that gave him so much. He was an active member of the Elks, American Legion, and the First United Methodist Church. Over the years he did everything from teach reading to register voters. Jerry took great pride in his work representing the disabled of the Logan County and served as a board member of RTC Industries for 30 years.
Following a long career at the Transportation Research Center (TRC), Jerry began a second act. He served as city council member for 10 years, proudly representing the fourth ward. Additionally, Jerry worked for the Logan County Veterans Administration and provided transportation to his fellow veterans so they could attend their doctor’s appointments. In all his trips, he only forgot one and he went back and picked him up quickly. He also served with great honor as a member of the American Legion Honor Guard.
Jerry was an avid reader, studier of history, loved an old movie and a good song. His wit and humor were notorious and what a gift they were. A lifelong sports fan, there was nothing better than Indiana Hoosiers basketball or the crack of the bat at a ballfield. A glutton for punishment, Jerry was a lifelong Cubs fan and attended many opening days with his daughter Karrie.
He was a proud democrat who visited the Oval Office, he was a friend who made so many laugh, he married the love of his life, he once took a blind man driving, he stood in Assembly Hall, Wrigley Field had Guinness in Ireland and visited all five beaches of D-Day. He was a proud father who got to know and love his grandchildren and great-grandchildren – all in all a pretty great run. So please grab a cold beer, turn on a game and toast the amazing journey of Jerry Lee Pitzer. You will be missed, more than you know.
Donations can be made in Jerry’s honor to RTC Industries, 36 County Rd 32 S, Bellefontaine, OH 43311; or American Legion Harold Kerr Post 173, 120 Colton Ave, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
*If sending flowers, please no lilies, as there is a severe allergy in the family.
Pastor Bruce Tumblin will officiate a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. Visitation will be three hours prior from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the Logan County Honor Guard following the service.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Pitzer family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
