Stuart Charles Gitch, son of Jerry and Georgia Mikes Gitch, was born November 7, 1964, at Sumner, Iowa. He was baptized December 13, 1964, by Rev. John Mohr and confirmed April 8, 1979, by Rev. John Sorenson, both at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner. He graduated from Sumner High School in 1983 and Wartburg College in 1987.
On July 7, 1990, he was united in marriage with Sherri Wedemeier at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Westgate. Stuart has been employed for the past 15 years with Old Dutch Foods.
His death occurred on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at his home in Sumner. He was 45 years old and a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner, where he had recently served as head deacon. He played both football and golf in high school and college, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf. He was a longtime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and had attended games at both the old and new stadiums. He especially enjoyed attending his children’s events at school and was a friend to all.
Stuart is survived by his children, Nolan C. and Lauren M., both of Sumner; his parents, Jerry and Georgia Gitch of Sumner; one sister, Kelly (Rick) Gardner of Muscatine; a nephew, Tanner and niece, Molly Gardner; and his former wife, Sherri of Sumner.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Gitch and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Mikes.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 3, 2010, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. William Runaas, Jr. and Intern Jealaine Marple officiating. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 2, 2010, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sumner. The family suggests that memorials may be made in Stuart’s name to St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner.
