Services for Richard will be held on Monday, May 3 at Redeemer Lutheran Church beginning at 1:30 P.M. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, May 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Full military honors will be provided at the burial at Rose Hill Memorial Garden by the combined VFW / American Legion Honor Guard of the surrounding area. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church. For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Richard and his family.

Richard Louis Zitzow was born on December 30, 1931 at the Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest son of Henry Sr. and Myrtle (Fuhrmann) Zitzow. Richard grew up in rural Marshalltown, graduating from Lamoille High School in 1949. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably for four years, receiving the rank of E5.

Upon his return to Iowa, he fell in love with Bernita Nuese and they were united in marriage on May 20, 1956 at Dillon Lutheran Church. Together they made their home in Marshalltown, where they raised their two children. He was a hard and meticulous worker, dedicating his career as a drafting supervisor to Emerson – Fisher Controls. In retirement, he and

Bernita became “snow birds” and enjoyed spending their winters in Texas in their earlier years and later on in Arizona.

Faith was important to Richard and he was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He served faithfully on numerous church boards and enjoyed the men’s bible breakfast group. Richard was a member of the American Legion and several card clubs. A member of the National Camping and Hiking Association, Richard enjoyed taking his family camping and fishing. He loved anything outdoors and kept a pristine lawn and gardens. Richard was a skilled craftsman, having built most of their home, with the help of friends. He also enjoyed woodworking and made toys and signs for all of his family. He was a wonderful storyteller and a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 64 years, Bernita; his children: Ron (Beth) Zitzow of Muscatine and Renee L. (Keven) Kirk of Marshalltown and 4 grandchildren: Kathryn Zitzow, Kyle Kirk, Rebecca Zitzow and Vanessa (Steve) Bruening.

In death, Richard is reunited with his parents, his brother Henry Jr. (June) Zitzow and nephew in infancy, Timothy Zitzow.