Kurt Klaus Zitzmann

Kurt "Opa" Klaus Zitzmann, 76, of Henderson, NV, passed away June 12, 2021, due to a tragic hiking accident in Mt. Charleston. We are forever grateful for the many people that offered prayers and support and for the search efforts that allowed us to eventually find his location. We were devastated by the outcome but we find peace in finding him and knowing that he's in a better place. He was born on February 3, 1945 in Ludwigshafen, Germany. He was the youngest child born to Kurt Erich Zitzmann and Berta Moellinger Zitzmann. Surviving the hardships of war torn Germany as a child, he was brought to the United States by his elder siblings Christa and Rudy, who had both immigrated to New York over ten years prior. Kurt came to live with them at 14 years of age, and was lovingly taken under their care. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the age of 19, spent a year at Ricks College in Idaho, and at age 21, was called to serve a mission to Frankfurt, Germany. Upon returning from his mission, he moved to Utah and attended BYU for a short time before transferring to The University of Utah, where he completed a double bachelors degree in Microbiology and Pharmacy. He went on to work as a pharmacist for 35 years. He met and married his sweetheart Karen in Provo, Utah, in 1972, and they have been together for nearly 49 years. Together they had 5 children, and raised them in Kaysville, Utah before relocating to Las Vegas, NV in 1991. When not working to provide for his family, he enjoyed spending time with them, participating in annual ski trips to Powder Mountain and summer campouts at the family property in Willow Creek. He made several trips back to Germany and loved to visit his sister Christa and her family in Hawaii and ski with his brother Rudy in Alta. After a long-life career as a pharmacist, he retired in 2015. He quickly embraced retirement, and loved spending as much time as possible outdoors, hiking, walking the dogs, exercising, playing tennis, and of course lots of skiing. He was so excited to accomplish his goal of skiing for free as a 75 year old in Brian Head last year, and he did it in style, racing down the mountain as the rest of us tried to keep up. He made it a priority to be at his children and grandchildren's special events, birthdays, performances, games, and graduations, and was always there with open arms for a big bear hug. Kurt was a faithful member of the LDS church and served in many capacities and was especially passionate about missionary work and sharing the gospel. He loved his Savior Jesus Christ and bore testimony of Him often, and was a pillar of faith to his family. That same faith brings us comfort to know that we will see our dear Opa again. One of Kurt's greatest moments was being able to serve a mission with his sweetheart Karen in the very same mission he had served in 50 years prior, Frankfurt, Germany. Together they were the perfect team, and lovingly served their branch and strengthened their bonds with Kurt's extended family in Germany. He loved his homeland, and especially the German culture and food, but at the same time, he was especially proud to be an American, and for the many freedoms he was blessed with here. He is survived by his loving wife Karen, his five children and their spouses, Adrian (Erin) Zitzmann, Eric (Deanna) Zitzmann, Krystal (Matt) Pierce, Michael Zitzmann, Jessica (Tom) Proctor, his 15 grandchildren, Grant, Mac, Courtney, October, NormaJoe, Charlie, Dominick, Vaughn, Donovan, Nixon, Whitney, Cooper, Lauren, Jack, and Kate, his sisters Christa and Gisela, and his many beloved nieces and nephews. The visitation will be held on Saturday, June 19th, at 9:00 am, at the LDS chapel located at 2497 Cozy Hill Cir, Henderson, NV, 89052, and the funeral to follow at 10:00 am. Interment will take place at Palm Eastern Cemetery in Las Vegas, NV, directly after the services. If you would like to make a memorial donation: https://gofund.me/c58fefbc Enos 1:27 "And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen."

Kurt Klaus Zitzmann

February 3, 1945 - June 12, 2021