Donald Louis Oitzman

Oitzman, Donald Louis
On January 30, 2013 God called Don to the first tee at the "Eden Hills Golf Course" in Heaven. Waiting for him on the tee box was a foursome consisting of his parents, Louis & Lena Oitzman, his brother Robert and sister Helen Klousia. Have a great game Don we know we will someday be joining you at the 19th hole for the greatest reunion ever. Sadly waiting in the gallery are his loving wife, Dora, sons Doug (Glenda), Gilbert, AZ, Jeff (Janet), Chandler, AZ, Tim (Molly), Rancho Santa Fe, CA, step-daughter Lisa (Michael) Lasch, Pflugerville, TX and step-son Troy Miller, Phoenix, AZ. Also, 7 loving grandchildren, Krystal Stegmaier (Paul) IL, Abby Chavaz (Casey) CA, Ashley & Paige Oitzman, Chandler, AZ, Teddy & Megan Oitzman CA and Brandon Lasch TX. He is also survived by three of the greatest great-grandchildren, Landon Stegmaier IL, Samantha and Ariella Chavaz CA, all who will miss their Papa greatly. Also waiting in the gallery are his three favorite golf partners, Vern (Rita) Oitzman Mesa, AZ, Richard (Doris) Oitzman Apple Valley, CA, and Arne Bongart, Mesa, AZ (his weekly DQ Blizzard & BJ clam chowder deliveryman). Don was born in Caledonia, MN, June 9, 1930 and lived most of his life in and around the Hampton, IA area. In 1949 he married Twila Noelting, the mother of his three sons. In 1980 he moved to Mesa, AZ and married Dora Homer-Miller and they have resided there since. He was a builder most of his life and after moving to Arizona he became a contractor building material salesman. After retiring he entered a second career as a home inspector which he pursued until 2006. During his lifetime Don attended schools in Chapin and Hampton, IA. He became a journeyman carpenter at the age of seventeen. By the age of twenty-five he owned his own company (Oitzman Construction) and built many homes, commercial buildings and farm buildings in Butler and Franklin counties in Iowa. Sometime later he incorporated Oitzman Lumber Co. with Oitzman Construction. While living in Iowa he was a 27 year member of the Lions Club, 16 year member of the Dumont fire department, serving 8 years as Fire Chief. He was a member of the city council and held various positions in his church. Don was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in any sport they were involved in. He and Dora were avid travelers and cruisers and have enjoyed many wonderful experiences around the world. Golf was a big part of his life and he always looked forward to Thanksgiving weekend when family and friends gathered for the "Oitzman Turkey Shoot-Out," a two day golf tournament held every year for the past 16 years. He won the trophy twice. Arrangements are being handled by Mountain View Mortuary in Mesa, AZ with a private family internment. A Celebration of Life will be held February 9, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at the Club Room at Leisure World in Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, those wanting too, may make a donation to Hospice of the Valley at 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona, or their favorite charity.