Gerald Gabriel Litzelman "Jerry", passed away on his 85th birthday, November 10, 2018. He was born in 1933 to George A. and Loretta F. (Pritchard) Litzelman in New Albany, Pennsylvania and resided for the last 45 years in Orange Park, Florida before a late in life move to Middleburg, Florida. He was raised by his parents on their farm in Dushore, Pennsylvania with four brothers and three sisters.
While still at home he worked on the family farm and his father's gristmill.
He and his identical twin, George, then moved to Orlando, Florida while serving in the United States Air Force. After serving his country for four years in the United States Air Force, Gerald worked at Central City Bag Company before beginning his lifetime career with the CSX Railroad, retiring in 1995.
Gerald and his identical twin George came into the world as best friends; they proceeded through life always together whether it concerned school, dating twin girls, or buying their first car together. Military service, work, or play; they moved together throughout life, always living close by each other, working at the same jobs, etc. They spent time together nearly every day. If one had pain, the other felt it before they were told about it. Even their children were called "twin cousins". The two families shared a certain closeness because of their fathers' bond. They were always there for each other no matter what they were going through.
While living in Orange Park Jerry became a faithful member of Bible Baptist Church, where he joyfully served the Lord in several capacities including landscape care, treasurer, choir member, visiting others, and most anything the church membership needed. He was always willing to share his abilities when and where needed.
A lifetime characteristic of Gerald's was his friendliness and willingness to help others. He never met a stranger, always sharing a pleasant conversation and his joyful smile with each person he encountered. His favorite topic to spread to others was Jesus' love for each of us and the salvation Jesus offered all.
Gerald, along with his father and brothers were excellent carpenters and enjoyed crafting beautiful and various items from wood for others. We all will enjoy the craftsmanship and love that was put into each of these items for years to come.
He enjoyed traveling back to his Pennsylvania homestead each year for his annual vacation to visit with family and friends.
Others benefited from these trips when he returned with an abundant supply of apples he and his family would pick fresh from the orchard. These apples were shared with everyone he came in contact with. His favorite variety of apple was the Cortland.
Jerry enjoyed participating in League Bowling and won many trophies. Baseball and wrestling were his favorite sports to watch. His children got a kick out of watching him "wrestle" his chair while watching his favorite wrestlers on TV. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking for his family and friends all through the years. Many pots of his special spaghetti were praised as one of his most delicious, mouthwatering, please pass more dishes. He enjoyed celebrating holidays with family throughout the years with all the cooking and pleasantries that accompany the holidays. He was a pure joy to be around.
Mr. Litzelman is survived by his loving family; three daughters; Tina (Joseph) Knight, Annette (Ronald) Waugh, and Rosemary (Michael) Gray. Stepchildren; Ronnie (Brenda) Osterhout , Keith Williams, Juanette (Patrick) Grantham, Lucille Blodgett Waugh, Bobby (Vicky) Blodgett. Grandchildren; Jesse, Erickson, Bethany, Jeremiah, Anthony, Andrea, Jennifer, Melinda, Brandon; step-grandchildren; Rodger, Bradford, Andrea, James, Jeffrey, Michael, Jason, Tasha, Christina, Joe, Brittany. Brothers and Sisters; Mary Jane (Anthony - deceased) Trasco, Bernard (Elaine) Litzelman, Donald (Shirley) Litzelman, Marlene (John - deceased) Pardoe, Gordon (Sandra Litzelman; sister-in-law; Ann Moore Litzelman, and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
He was preceded in death by wife, Lois Ward Litzelman; parents; sister, Marie Litzelman Broschart; identical twin brother, George Raymond Litzelman; great grandson, Christopher Michael Stewart, Jr.; step-daughter, Margie Williams Dyal; step-grandson, Kyle Williams.
A visitation will be held 6-8 PM Wednesday November 14, 2018 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068. Funeral Service will be held 11 AM Thursday,November 15, 2018 at Bible Bapist Church, 3060 Moody Ave, Orange Park, Florida 32065. Interment will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park. Please leave words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.
