Call
Email
Facebook-square Instagram

780-532-2929 | info@oliversfuneralhome.com

Facebook-square Instagram

Obituaries

Preston Dart Gitzel

February 09, 1941 - September 25, 2025

Text:

Obituary For Preston Dart Gitzel

Preston Gitzel passed away with his family by his side at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 84.

Preston was born on February 9, 1941, in Grande Prairie, AB. He grew up and completed his schooling in Grande Prairie. His first job as a young man was working at the plywood plant in Grande Prairie. Following that, he took a position with Northland Utilities working with the line crew. Eventually, he took a position out of the Peace River ATCO Electric office. He excelled at customer service, as he was a wonderfully gentle and polite man. He lived most of his working life in the Peace River/Berwyn area, where he had many friends. He retired from ATCO after many dedicated years.

Preston enjoyed a number of hobbies. He was an avid reader, a coin and stamp collector, and a hockey and baseball card collector. He loved old cars—he had a phenomenal memory and knew every make and model of classic cars just by looking at them. He loved watching old movies and, of course, knew all the actors by name. The Oilers and Blue Jays were Preston’s favorite sports teams, and he never went out anywhere without wearing one of their caps.

In 2009, he moved back to Grande Prairie to be closer to his family. He lived independently at Emerald Gardens for 15 years, enjoying the friendships he made with other residents and the wonderful staff. Preston had some health challenges in the past two years, and in late 2024, he moved to Pearson Place in Hythe, where he was surrounded by caring and compassionate caregivers and support staff.

Preston had the great fortune of having the support of many health care and home support individuals and teams in Grande Prairie, Hythe, and Beaverlodge. The family is indebted to all of you for your care, kindness, and commitment to him.

Preston will be lovingly remembered by his two brothers and their families: Van and Bonnie Gitzel and their daughter Shawna (Stew) Gitzel, and Kelly and Diana Gitzel and their children, Dylan (Kayla) Gitzel, Shelby (James) Chrenek, and Kelsey (Logan) Gitzel, as well as many cousins on the Gitzel and Ross sides.

He was predeceased by his parents Herb Gitzel (2000) and Edith Gitzel (2018).

At Preston’s wish, the family will have a private celebration for him.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • September 29, 2025

    Bob Leslie

    My condolences to the entire family.

  • September 27, 2025

    Natalie Mayne

    Sending Kelly , Van and all of your families our condolences. We know Preston was a very special part of your family . Natalie and Darcy

  • September 26, 2025

    Debbie Shyiak

    Very saddened to hear of Preston's passing, we were meter reading partners in Peace River way back in the late 70's, spent a lot of hours together on the road to rural towns and lunches in many different restaurants! He was also friend of my Dad's when our family moved here in 1968. So many great memories, I only wish I would have known he was back here as it would have been great to chat about old times. And yak about the Bluejays! RIP my old buddy. 💙🧡

  • September 26, 2025

    Kathy Blais

    Sorry to hear of Preston passing. We were neighbours many, many moons ago.

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries.  We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  Our apologies for any inconvenience.

Scroll to Top