Gary Charles Pitsenberger

     Master Sailor, Artist, Poet, Musician, and retired carpenter, Gary Pitsenberger’s love of life didn’t come to an end with his death. Gary passed away on October 17, 2022 at the age of 74 after a valiant crusade against cancer, surrounded by love ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their life to the fullest.

     Gary was born on September 11, 1948 in Adams County Illinois, son of the late Forrest Pitsenberger and Beverly Pitsenberger. After graduating from Huntsville High School in 1966 and attending a few semesters at Auburn university he decided to travel and ended up in Fairbanks Alaska in 1974, where he eventually joined Carpenter’s union local #1243. It was in Fairbanks, in 1979, that he met his person, the love of his life, Barbara and they married on April 5, 1980. Together they raised 3 beautiful daughters, Jennifer, Jami, and Mandy. Gary was a 35 year member of Fairbanks Drama Association (FDA) and touched many lives through his passionate pursuit of art. He and his wife Barbara were instrumental in establishing a permanent theater along the riverfront for FDA.

     In 2005 he retired from the Carpenters union Local #1243 and they moved to Washington North Carolina, where he acquired his life long dream, a 32 ft sailboat, The Dragonfly. His love of sailing, painting, music, performing and directing, made him truly a modern renaissance man. Gary’s passion for life lives on in the hearts of everyone he knew.

     He is survived by his wife Barbara Pitsenberger, daughters Jennifer Mickelson, Jami Lewis, and Mandy Mckensie, Grandsons Jaret and Jakob Stokes and nephew Ronnie Owens, and niece Launawe Jaffe. along with numerous cousins. 

     “O Captain, my Captain our fearful trip is done” – Walt Whitman. Sail on Gary

     Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

     Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Pitsenberger family.