Obituaries

Gilbert V. Pritzel

Photo of Gilbert V. Pritzel
Mr. Gilbert V. Pritzel, age 88 years, of Holts Summit, Mo., died Monday, April 1, 2013, at St. Mary's Health Center. Gilbert was born September 1, 1924, in Mayview, Mo., the son of Richard and Verna Balke Pritzel. He was married on April 21, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Evelyn L. Kidd, who preceded him in death on April 25, 2005. Gilbert proudly served in the United States Army for 25 months during World War II and was at the invasion of Normandy on D-Day on June 6, 1944. He also served in the battles of Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was awarded five Bronze Stars for Valor and in 2010 was awarded the French Legion of Honor by Governor Jay Nixon. He was employed with the Central Electric Power Co-op for 34 years retiring as a line foreman in 1986. Gilbert was a member of Faith Lutheran Church where he was a member of the Braille Group and Senior Group. He also served on various boards at Faith Lutheran. He was a member of the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Roy Sone Post 1003, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 2693, and the IBEW, Local 2. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, reading, baking, cooking, and traveling. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family. Survivors include: one son, Bill Pritzel and his wife Linda of Koeltztown, Mo.; three daughters, Judi Hasler and her husband Tom of Holts Summit, Mo., Kay Niemeier and her husband Darold of Jefferson City, Mo., and Vickie Zavoral and her husband Chuck of Jefferson City, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Charise Sprengel and her husband Nathan, Nick Pritzel and his wife Angie, Brad Hasler and his wife Laura, Jennifer Hasler, Lindsey Hasler-Lay and her husband Casey, Aaron Niemeier and his wife Stephanie, Leslie Niemeier, Katie Zavoral, and Shawn Kell; and 13 great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Brynn, Savanna, Connor, Anthony, Abby, Kyle, Logan, Rae, Hunter, Olivia, Sydney, and Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one sister, Erma Meade; and two brothers, Wilfred Pritzel and Arlie Pritzel. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2013, and at Faith Lutheran Church from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2013. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Faith Lutheran Church with the Reverend Tony Alter officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be conducted at Riverview Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Faith Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Published April 4, 2013