Paul Gitz

Paul J. Gitz

Paul Jay Gitz passed away on July 5, 2023 at Parkview Home in Freeport after a brief illness. Paul was born January 26, 1928 in Freeport to parents John and Appie Vohlken Gitz. He graduated from Freeport Senior High in 1945. Paul married Margaret May Metz on March 3, 1951 in Freeport.

Paul was the 3rd Gitz generation to live in the same farm house all of his life. He farmed his entire life and was a dairy farmer for most of his years as well as raising hogs, cattle, and sometimes admitted to raising a few chickens and sheep. He lived on a Centennial farm and was proud to know that there was no other family in Illinois to have 3 Centennial farms on the same road. He not only enjoyed his dairy cows, but also enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and trap shooting. He amazed many at his great marksmanship even after losing much of his eyesight due to Macular Degeneration. One of his favorite places to visit and have picnics was Krape Park in Freeport where he would reminisce about when he would ride his pony to Krape Park in his youth.

What he enjoyed most in his life was his family. He and Margaret were blessed to have all 4 of their children living in the same area his entire life, as well as some of his grandchildren. The four children are: John Jay (Debra) Gitz, Linda (Rick) Garnhart, Becky (John) Finkenbinder, and Stephen (Lorrie) Gitz. He also adored his 10 grandchildren: Scott Gitz, Timothy Gitz, Andrew Garnhart, Christina Garnhart Mesker, John Paul Finkenbinder, Lori Finkenbinder Lents, Leslie Gitz, Derek Kimes, David Gitz, and Brittany Kimes. He also leaves 13 great grandchildren behind. Paul not only cherished his family, but also cared deeply about all of his relatives as well as other people that became like family to him.

Paul was a lifelong member of Florence Church, was a Past Worshipful Master of Evergreen Lodge, was a 32 degree Mason, and was Past Exalted Ruler of the Freeport Elks Lodge. He also was proud to have been a supporter of the All-Veterans Park in Freeport. The Family would like to express special thanks to FHN, Hospice, and Parkview Home for their special care and comfort in his final days.

Visitation will be Saturday July 15th from 9AM to 11AM at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport IL. The funeral service will be held immediately after at 11AM. Later in the afternoon, Paul will be interred in the Masonic Garden at Chapel Hills Cemetery in Freeport IL. Paul had picked his burial site because he could see parts of his farm from there. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the FHN Cancer Center in Paul’s memory.