Jonathan Fitzner

Rev. Jonathan Fitzner, 83, of Stevensville, went to meet his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. He passed away on Thursday morning, February 23, 2017 at his home. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the Washington Ave. Church of God, 4051 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Andy Hannich & Rev. Greg Prather officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery, Stevensville.  Friends may visit with the family beginning at 9:00 A.M. Saturday at the Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fritzlar Bible College in Germany.  Those wishing to sign Jonathan’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.  Jonathan was born April 8, 1933 in Kurgany, Wolynia (today the Ukraine) to Wilhelm & Lydia (Zelmer) Fitzner. He attended Fritzlar Bible College where he met his wife Gisela M. Riebandt, and they were married on July 24, 1960 in Schwalmstadt, Germany.  Jonathan served as pastor for 11 years in Germany before being called to the German Church of God in Union City, NJ, USA. Rev. Jonathan Fitzner continued to minister at the Washington Ave. Church of God in St. Joseph, Benton Heights Church of God in Benton Harbor, and Flourtown Church of God in Pennsylvania. After retiring Jonathan joined the Washington Ave. Church of God where he was teaching a senior’s Sunday School class. He enjoyed writing short stories and devotionals, published a book, playing music on his many instruments, and tending to his flowers. Jonathan is survived by his children-Clemens (Linda) Fitzner of Old Tappen, NJ, Carsten Fitzner of Los Gatos, CA, Sonja (Louis Burley) Fitzner of Manassas, VA, Salome (Charles) Patane of Louisville, KY; eight grandchildren-Christopher, Arial, Jonathan, Jessica & Joseph Fitzner, Noah, Esther & Sarah Patane; a sister Anna Fitzner & brother Friedrich Fitzner, both of Germany; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Gisela on July 25, 2011 and three siblings-Robert, Adolf & Sara Fitzner.