John Edward Litzinger

John E. Litzinger, 79 a long time resident of Devils Lake, ND died on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Robert Pecotte will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake on Thursday, February 8, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for John will be his grandsons, Scott, Jeffrey and Eric Klemetsrud and Jacob Puhl and nephews, Dan Webster, Robert Webster and Thomas Parker. Music will be provided by Lynne Webster and JoDee Lagein. John Edward was born on January 14, 1928 in Devils Lake to Wendel and Phyllis (Tuchscherer) Litzinger. He was reared and educated in Churchs Ferry, graduating from Churchs Ferry High School in 1945. He entered the US Navy October 29, 1945 in Ramsey County. He served overseas aboard the USS Hancock. He was honorably discharged on August 19, 1946 at Bremerton, Washington. John was united in marriage to June A. Webster on January 22, 1946 in Leeds, ND. They established their home in Devils Lake and John attended Lake Region Community College. John then worked for the Internal Revenue Service in the Devils Lake Field Office his entire career except for three years he was stationed in Fargo. John retired in 1973. He then worked as a tax consultant for 9 years. After he retired, John and June continued to make their home in Devils Lake. June died November 6, 2000. John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served on the church council. He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge, the Town and Country Club, Eagles Lodge and the VFW. John had several pastimes he enjoyed, but especially enjoyed golf and taking care of his cats. But he was known as “The Legend” when it came to playing poker. You could find John playing cards with his friends almost everyday of the week, either at the VFW or the Casino. John was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend and neighbor and will be greatly missed. May John rest in God’s peace. He is survived by his daughter: Jeanne Klemetsrud and her husband, Jay of Devils Lake Son: Jim Litzinger of Eagan, MN. Grandchildren: Scott (Stacie) Klemetsrud, Jeffrey (Kathy) Klemetsrud and Eric (Amanda Schafer) Klemetsrud all of Devils Lake. Jennifer Maude (Jacob) Puhl of Fargo Eleven great grandchildren: Bethany, Brittany, Brooke and Blake Klemetsrud Amanda, Hailey June and Jay Klemetsrud Jaylen and Kaylie Schafer Isabelle and Julia Puhl Sisters: Beverly Haugen, Jamestown, ND Bonnie (David) Parker, Cincinnati, Ohio Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, June. Friends may sign the online register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com