Obituary of Leo Gitzel

Leo Gitzel passed away peacefully at his home in Stettler, Alberta on May 12, 2021, at the age of 94 years.  Leo was born near Stony Plain, Alberta, on March 28, 1927.  He grew up on a farm but decided as a young man to become a chartered accountant.  Leo married Doris Henry in 1949.  In 1954, they moved their young family to Stettler, where Leo took over a local accounting firm and invited Ward Krejci to join him.  Leo’s son, Barry, joined the firm in 1980.

Leo believed in giving back to the community and was active in the Kinsmen and Rotary Clubs.  He was also on the board of the Heartland Youth Centre and the Stettler Variety Showcase.  Very fond of sports, Leo played badminton, tennis, racquetball and golf, and learned to downhill ski at 65 years of age.  He also bowled and curled in his later years, and as an excellent lifelong dancer, taught his physiotherapist to foxtrot during his recovery from a stroke when he was 90 years old.

Leo was predeceased by his loving wife Dodie in 2014, after 64 years of marriage.  He leaves to mourn his three children, Janice (Matt) Kubitza, Barry (Deb) Gitzel, Patti (Mitch) Koehler, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private interment will be held.  Donations in memory of Leo may be made to the CNIB, the Heartland Youth Centre or the charity of your choice.