Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Vitztum, 88, Hays, died Friday, December 22, 2023 at Via Christi Village.
He was born May 31, 1935 in Hays, the son of George and Helen (Polifka) Vitztum. In 1953, he graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in 1953 then attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Riley during the Berlin Crisis. Jerry owned and operated Vitztum Commercial Flooring, starting the business with his father and brother then continuing in business with his sons for forty years. On December 27, 1960 he was united in marriage to Christine “Chris” Wickizer at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Jerry was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Notre Dame Sorin Society, and a former member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, growing red roses, and was a collector. He liked birds and animals and loved Notre Dame and Chiefs football. Jerry cherished his family and their trips to Estes Park.
Survivors include his wife Christine of Hays, three sons, Mark Vitztum and wife Brenda of Wichita, David Vitztum and wife Joelene, and Brian Vitztum and wife Tina, both of Hays, two daughters, Janet Little and husband Rod of New Canaan, CT and Joann Komanecki and husband Craig of Minneapolis, MN, one brother, George Vitztum Jr. and wife Carol of Hays, a sister, Mary McIntyre of Scottsdale, AZ, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a great granddaughter, Madi Vitztum.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Curtis Carlson, OFM Cap. officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until service time on Wednesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel and condolences and memories of Jerry may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com