Obituaries

Donald K. Gurtizen, 95

December 04, 2019

Donald K. Gurtizen, 95, of Washington Boro, passed away December 4, 2019, at Brereton Manor, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Holtwood, he was the only child of the late John and Erma (Kreider) Gurtizen. Donald was the beloved husband of Betty Jane (Stenman) Gurtizen, and together they celebrated 71 years of marriage this past June. In addition to his wife, Donald is survived by his three children, Greg Gurtizen, Douglas Gurtizen, and Cynthia Gurtizen, all of Millersville.

After graduating from high school, Donald enlisted in the US Navy and honorably served his country during WWII upon a Patrol Torpedo boat. After his separation from the Navy, he attended college and received his master’s degree in Education from Temple University. During his teaching tenure, Donald held various positions and served as Principal with the Conestoga Valley School District.

Donald was known as a very kind and generous man who had a strong faith and a deep love for his family. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and traveling to Canada. Donald was a major book reader and card player, and he loved to golf. He was a long-standing member of the Conestoga Country Club, Crossgates Golf Club in Millersville, and Millersville United Methodist Church.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers at Brereton Manor for their loving care of Donald during his stay at Brereton Manor.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service, which will be held at 1:00 PM on January 5, 2020, at Brereton Manor, 3028 Anchor Road, Washington Boro, PA, 17582. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donald‘s memory may be made to TLC Homeless/Transitional Living Center at 105 E. King Street, Lancaster, Pa 17602.

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Condolences to the Family

December 20, 2019

Cynthia, I’m so sorry about the loss of this wonderful man who never seemed a day over 75! He was kind, interesting, and loving. He was blessed with a loving family. I’m sad my time with him was so short.
Emily Fox

December 16, 2019

Don Gurtizen was my elementary principal 61 years ago at Providence Elementary School in the Solanco School District. Later, when I was an elementary principal at L-S and he was at CV, we were colleagues. What a gentleman he was! As a 13 year old eighth grader, I spent many lunch times with him in his office playing chess. Thinking of those intimate times that we had, it always makes me smile. In the words of one of my favorite authors, “i haven’t seen Don for many years, but I will miss him for the rest of my life.”
Bob Frick

December 15, 2019

So sorry to hear about Don’s passing. My father, Robert Newswanger and he were Holtwood buddies. Dad spoke highly of Don. It’s ironic that his memorial service is being held on January 5th, which would have been my dad’s 94th birthday! There will be quite a Heavenly celebration! So sorry for the loss you are experiencing.
Terri Newswanger Hess

December 15, 2019

I’m so sorry to hear the news about our friend and neighbor. He was always a very kind and gentle man when we had the chance to be together and I will miss knowing he is near.

Services: Sunday, January 05, 2020; 1:00 PM; Brereton Manor; 3028 Anchor Road; Washington Boro, PA
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