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Gary Pitsenberger Obituary
Gary was born on Sept. 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 three 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-foot 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; 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Pitsenberger
Donald Dixon
March 3, 2023
Always missed.
Jo Ryman Scott
November 26, 2022
I have treasured memories of all that Gary Pitsenberger did for the Fairbanks Community - especially for the Fairbanks Drama Association. I remember how much time he and Barbara put into gettin the Hap Ryder Theater established for FDA. THANK YOU, Gary. And thank you, too, dear Barbara.
Love from Jo Ryman Scott, now living in a retirement community in Tucson.
Jon Yuriar
November 4, 2022
My deepest condolences to Barbara and the Pitsenberger family. Gary was the most wonderful person to know. A great guy, skilled carpenter and fine builder of stage sets.
Stephanie Stowman
November 3, 2022
Barbara: I am sorry that you have lost your soul mate. Gary was fun and a great teacher of the Theatre. I learned a lot from him and you too. May peace be with you at this time. Love you.
Tanya OBrien
October 30, 2022
Barbara and family, I am sorry for your loss but so happy Gary got to enjoy his years sailing, acting and having a beautiful family. Prayers for healing.
Bill Arnold
October 30, 2022
Barbara, so very sorry to hear of Gary´s passing. He was one of those rare people that I can always simply think of to be warmed by his presence. Thank you for sharing the photos!
david....."Doc" akin
October 28, 2022
I worked out of the hall a time or two with Gary. An educated man....R.I.P.....your sun has set...
Donna Rossi Schuster
October 28, 2022
Barbara, the girls and I are so sad to hear of Gary´s passing. We want you to know how much you and Gary meant to our family. It was the both of you that gave us an introduction into theater and my girls will always remember that. Gary was such a sweet soul and I know I don´t have to tell you that. His smile said everything. You both welcomed us into your life with open arms! There´s so much more I want to say to you and I could go on forever. Just know the Rossi family is forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of your lives.
Love Donna, Sarah and Elizabeth
Jo Ryman Scott
October 28, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with Gary´s wife, Barbara. They did so much for the Fairbanks Drama Association. Gary was a master of many trades. He will not be forgotten.
From Jo Ryman Scott now living in a retirement community in Tucson.
Nancy Petersen
October 27, 2022
As a FDA supporter and one sharing the love of theater and of those who lived and loved the same people I love, I write to you today in sympathy. I am Nancy, the sister-in-law of the late Timothy Ames. I am sorry for your loss, but your lives together were lived to the fullest with fun and passion and with really, really, really GOOD friends. I am certain that you all will be surrounded with those who know and love you.
Please know that I send my support thru the air... and I appreciate your Walt Whitman quote. Indeed. Sail on...
Nancy Petersen
PS I also worked for Doctor Payne and was there for many of your visits over the years.
Michael Welsh
October 27, 2022
Barbara: I am saddened to hear that Gary has passed on. I'll always remember sharing the UAF stage with Gary in Fool For Love, and with you in FDA's Waiting for Zanzibar under Gary's insightful direction. Aside from his tireless work ethic and devotion to family and art, Gary was the consummate "good dude." I can offer no greater praise about any man than that.
Although it has been many years since I've seen you both, it is evident from these lovely photos that Gary and you lived happy and fulfilling lives together. Be Well...
valda belyeu
October 27, 2022
Barbara, So sorry to hear about Gary. I will always remember him coming over to help his parents. He was a really nice man. Loved seeing him and his dog in that jeep. He always had a kind word to say.
Kristy McCumby-Hyland
October 27, 2022
I was so sad to hear of Gary's passing. He was such a talented, funny, and amazing man. We worked together for many years in Fairbanks with FDA productions and he truly was a mentor and inspiration to me. We lost touch when I married and moved to CA, and I regret that. I will miss him. My deepest sympathy goes out to Barbara and his family.
Barbara & Gary Pitsenberger
October 27, 2022
Barbara & Gary Pitsenberger
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Barbara & Gary Pitsenberger
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Barbara & Gary Pitsenberger
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Barbara & Gary Pitsenberger
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Barbara & Gary Pitsenberger
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Barbara & Gary Pitsenberger
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Barbara & Gary Pitsenberger
October 27, 2022
He was my person and still Is. We were married for 42 years. We wed at the little church at Alaskaland that is Pioneer Park now. I´ll meet you on our star
Robin Rushing
October 27, 2022
Barbara, what a great memorial with the all pictures. I remember y'all just being married when I showed up in Fairbanks! What a beautiful life it turned out to be for you two. Thinking of you
Jeff and Kay Woolard
October 27, 2022
Barbara and family, we are so sorry for your loss and send caring thoughts and sympathy.
Charlotte Miller
October 27, 2022
Condolences to the family.
Barbara Pitsenberger
October 26, 2022
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Our Grandsons
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With Jakob
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Best Friends
Barbara Pitsenberger
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1980
Barbara Pitsenberger
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With the kids
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Jennifer and Dad
Barbara Pitsenberger
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Crystal Palace
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Our love
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Our Dream
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On the Pamlico
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Full Bounty
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On the Dragonfly
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Forever Us
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You live in my heart ❤
Barbara Pitsenberger
October 26, 2022
He lives in my heart
Jen Mickelson
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Jen Mickelson
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My Dad was an amazing man. One of the best things that ever happened to me was for him to marry my mom. Changed our lives forever. It is because of his love and support that I am the strong independent woman I am today.
Carol Anderson Harless
October 26, 2022
Gary was a classmate at Huntsville High. I remember he was always enthusiastic and cheerful. We had communicated occasionally in the last few years and that boy from years ago always came through.
Barbara, you and your family were blessed to have him. He’ll be watching over you from above and be with you always. My prayers are with you. ❤
Jimmy Hardy
October 23, 2022
Gary was such a kind and talented man. My condolences to the family. RIP
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