Gilbert Howard Zitzelsberger

Gilbert Howard Zitzelsberger 87, Bradenton, FL died May 5, 2017. Born December 14, 1929 in Buffalo, NY to John and Virginia (Van Auken) Zitzelsberger, Gil was proud of his hometown and had many beautiful memories of growing up in Buffalo and attending Pine Hill High School. Gil loved learning, as can be seen by his education: University of Buffalo, Bachelor Degree, 1952, Wayne State University (Detroit), Master of Education, 1954 and Detroit College of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1965. He was very proud of his service to our country with the United States Air Force, 1951-1954, serving in Cheyenne, WY and Mt. Clemens, MI.

Family: he married Evelyn Alma Rofot on April 6, 1951, in Cheyenne, WY. They then landed in Michigan where, together, they had 5 children: Paul (Anne) Zitzelsberger of Tigard, OR;

Mark (Terrie) Zitzelsberger of Weidman, MI; Ruth (and the late Lawrence) Tresner of Boca Raton, FL; Joan Fairchild of Deland, FL and Gail (fiancé, Ron) Zitzelsberger of Trenton, MI;  7 grandchildren, Joy Helton, Lisa Roebke, Chad Zitzelsberger, Troy Zitzelsberger, Zachary Fairchild, Blaine Fairchild, Allison Tresner and 2.5 great-grandchildren.

Gil married Nola Stoltz Brown in 2001 until her death in 2012.  They lived in E. Concord, NY and Bradenton, FL.  They were childhood friends who reconnected late in life. 

He recently married Anne Stiles in 2017 so they could enjoy life together. They knew each other for years and became best friends.  Anne resides in Bradenton, FL. Gil had many friends. He loved to tell stories and he loved to read.  Recently, he spent many evenings with Anne and their many friends enjoying cocktails, dinner and fun evenings.  He will be missed by many but today he has a home in Heaven, safely in the arms of his Lord.-

 Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 in charge of arrangements. Condolences to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com

Career:

• River Rouge High School history teacher (River Rouge, Michigan) 1954-1960
• Seitz Middle School history teacher (Riverview, Michigan) 1960-1965
• Sole Law Practice (Riverview, Michigan) 1965-1977
• Municipal/District Court Judge (Riverview, Michigan) 1959-1977
• International Secretary of the Kiwanis International (Indianapolis, IN) 1983-1986
• Michigan State Judicial Council 1982-1983
• Sole law practice (Bradenton, Florida) 1986-present

Achievements:

• Michigan Bar, 1965
• Florida Bar, 1972
• Approved to present courses before The Supreme Court
• Editor of the Kiwanis magazine, 1983-1986
• Private pilot - instrument and multi-engine rated
• Parliamentarian for many Lutheran Church Missouri Synod conventions
• Chairman of the Congregation for several terms – Christ the King Lutheran Church, Southgate, MI
• Board of Directors – Michigan District Lutheran Church Synod, 1968-1976
• Downriver Young Men’s Christian Association, Wyandotte, Michigan, 1975-1983
• Board of Directors Executive Committee Boy Scouts American Crossroads of America,
• Local Kiwanis President
• Michigan District Kiwanis Governor
• Member of Hope Lutheran Church, Bradenton, FL

Memorial Service will be Friday, May 19, 2017 at 11:00 am at Hope Lutheran Church 4635 26th St W, Bradenton, Fl 34207. It will be followed by a light lunch in the fellowship hall.