Joseph H. Pitzer Jr.

Joseph H. Pitzer Jr., 88, met his Savior face to face Saturday, January 23, 2021. Born on October 19, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, Joe was the son of Joseph and Mildred Pitzer. He was a graduate of John Marshall High School where he met his wife, Jeanette Heins. He moved to Fort Wayne to attend Fort Wayne Bible College and married his high school sweetheart while still a student there. He eventually obtained a Masters degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and following graduation, he obtained his first teaching job with Fort Wayne Community Schools at McCulloch School. He loved teaching and loved his students. As his career advanced, he became the principal of Adams Elementary School and remained there for 26 years. He had a great love for the Adams students, families, and staff and was greatly respected. During this time his wife was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s, and he took on the added job of faithful and loving caregiver. He was a true example of what it means to fulfill the marriage vow, “Til death do us part.” While the role of caregiver was not something he wanted, he became an expert and made it his mission to educate and help others who were facing the same circumstances. He often spoke to groups, sharing his knowledge and providing guidance. His care for Jeanette became so demanding that he was forced to retire at an early age but he did not complain. When nursing home care was needed, he visited her daily, getting to know staff and residents at the facility. Following Jeanette’s passing, Joe later married Shirley Holley. He enjoyed traveling with her, getting together with friends, going out to eat, attending sporting events to watch his children and grandchildren. Joe was very active in his church, Avalon Missionary. He loved teaching Sunday School and serving in various capacities at the church. His faith in Jesus Christ was the driving force of his life and he shared his faith with anyone who would listen. He credited his grandmother with bringing him to faith and he made sure that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren heard about his Savior. Also in his leisure time, he loved to golf, listen to music, and entertain others with his stories and jokes. While family and friends rejoice that he is in Heaven, he will be greatly missed. Joseph is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Jennifer (Larry) Johnson; son, Jim (Joyce) Pitzer; grandchildren, Joseph Pitzer, Lindsey (Shawn) Baker, Jill (Uriah) Wolfe, Amy (Justin) Shurley, and Jackie (Josh) DeHaven. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Eli, Emery, Allie, Bella, Kenzie, Kendal, Karly, Noel Joseph, and Ada. Joe’s lifelong best friend for 74 years, Ray Zenkert and his family were considered a very special part of Joe’s life. Shirley’s children were a very important part of Joe’s family and he loved her six (one deceased) children and spouses, twenty five grandchildren, and thirty eight (And one more expected) great-grandchildren, considering them as his own. The family would like to thank the staff of Coventry Meadows and Southern Care Hospice for their kindness, care, and support. A private family service will be held and a Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date. The family funeral service will be viewable on the Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Facebook Page starting on Saturday, January 30, 2021. Preferred memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or Avalon Missionary Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com for the Pitzer family.