David Allen Hitztaler

David A. Hitztaler, 75, of Highlands Ranch, CO, loving
husband, father, “Papa,” brother, and friend passed
away peacefully on Thursday, March 4, surrounded by
his cherished wife, Sherry and family. His death was
caused by his terminal lung disease, IPF (Idiopathic
Pulmonary Fibrosis), severely complicated by a
near-death bout with Covid-19 in March of 2020. His last
eleven months of life were lived with courage and
determination and included the joyous celebration of
major milestones--his 75th birthday in April and 50th
wedding anniversary on August 1, 2020. 

Dave was born in Denver on April 22,1945 to parents,
William and LaVerda Hitztaler, the second son, followed
by three younger sisters. He graduated from Denver
Lutheran High School in 1963, excelling on the football field. He attended college at
Colorado State University, graduating with a degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
and Education in 1968. He was employed as a science teacher with Denver Public
Schools, where he met his future wife, Sherry (Sharp) Hitztaler. The Hitztalers were wed
on August 1,1970 in Sherry’s home town of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Dave cherished his many circles of friends: family, high school, college, church, golf,
neighborhoods, workplace, and of course, CSU football fans. “Ram Dave” loved the
CSU Football team; enjoying the tailgates and friends as much as the games,
(depending on the score, sometimes more)! Dave and Sherry had CSU football season
tickets for 20 years. They loved the Colorado outdoors and along with their daughters
and friends, especially enjoyed biking, hiking, camping and skiing as well as travel, here
and abroad.

His bright smile, positivity, and enthusiasm lit up rooms when he entered. His trademark
sense of humor was well-known and appreciated. These characteristics, along with a
good dose of diligence, integrity, and determination, helped Dave achieve a
long-standing and successful career in real estate: (Realtor, Real Estate Residential
Appraiser with his own company:Hitztaler and Associates). In the mid 2000s, Dave
returned to work as a Real Estate agent for ReMax Professionals in Highlands Ranch.
Armed with both Realtor and appraiser skills, his knowledge was often sought after by
real estate agents and clients. His disease (IPF) forced his retirement in January, 2018.

Life’s trials cultivated a deep faith and trust in God within Dave. His faith was the
cornerstone of his life which inspired him to live his faith everyday, serve in various
leadership roles in his church, and serve his family and community. He worked tirelessly
to help establish Lutheran High School in Parker, CO, and continued being an
enthusiastic supporter.

Dave is survived by his loving family; wife, Sherry; daughters: Stephanie Hitztaler (Jani
Onninen); children: Oliver and Vera, (Syracuse, NY), and Elizabeth Stone (Josh);
children: Reese, Carter, Emerson, and Cruz David, (Littleton, CO). “Papa” had a special
relationship with each of his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his older brother, Bill and wife, Janie.
Dave is further survived by his three younger sisters and husbands: Mary Lou (Loren)
Boydstun, Littleton, CO; Bonnie (Joe) Andrevich, Madeira Beach, FL; and Wendy (Tim)
McConnell, Steamboat Springs, CO. His close extended family included his cousins:
Cheryl, Connie, and Cathy and their families; many cherished nieces and nephews, and
their children. Dave was “Uncle Dave” to all.

The Family is so grateful for the loving care that he received from Denver Hospice and
more recently, Visiting Angels. Donations in Dave’s memory can be made to Denver
Hospice; Lutheran High School in Parker, CO; Ascension Lutheran Church Foundation,
or Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association, (in honor of Emerson Stone/In
Memory of his Papa, Dave Hitztaler).

Due to Covid restrictions, the family is having a family church service for Dave on April 3
at Ascension Lutheran Church which will be available post-service on YouTube. Plans
for a “CSU Ram Dave Tailgate” Celebration of Life will be Sunday of Labor Day
weekend. Contact Sherry or Elizabeth for more details.