Nallie W. Fitzgerald

OTHO, IOWA — Nallie W. “Fitz” Fitzgerald, 79 of Otho, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at his home.

Survivors: Wife, Mary of Otho; sons, John and Joe of Allen, Texas; grandson Jason of Littleton, Colo.; sisters Shirley (Harold) Brotherton of Park Hills, Helen Nicholson of Bismarck, and Gladys Ferrell of Park Hills; many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: Parents, Leota and Charles T. (Boots) Province and little sisters, Nina.

Nallie was born April 10, 1932 in Belgrade, Mo. He attended schools in Irondale. At the age of 17 he enlisted with the U.S. Army in 1949. He did his basic training at Camp Chaffee, Ark. From there Sarge served two tours of duty in the Korean War; where he fought in nine major battles, receiving nine Battle Stars; and was involved in countless smaller engagements. In 1956, he was united in marriage to Mary Ewing and the couple made their home in El Paso, Texas. Sarge also served tours in Japan, Germany, and Iran. During Vietnam in 1968 Sarge fought in the “TeT” Offensive and two other major battles. He received three more Battle Stars. He was a warrior. While serving with the U. S. Army, Sarge also was a competition shooter at the For Bliss Marksmanship Division in Ft. Bliss, Texas. He was the recipient of many awards, medals, and trophies. Sarge retired from the Army in 1970 after serving 22 years. He then went to work for the El Paso Western Trade School for Welding for 17 years. The couple moved to Dort Dodge in 1992 and made their home in Otho. He was a life member of N. R. A.; life member of the Texas State Rifle Association, life member of the Disabled American Veterans, and life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 861. Fitz enjoyed hunting, fishing with his wife Mary, traveling, reading the bible and photography.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 8, at 12:45 p.m. in the Chapel of the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home and 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Moorland, with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Duncombe, with Full Military Rites. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. today, with Rosary at 5:30 p.m. and a Vigil at 7 p.m. all at the funeral home.

There will be a memorial service at the Irondale Masonic Lodge #143, Irondale, Mo. on November 6 at 2 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.