Obituary of Gisela KIttel

Gisela Kittel December 9, 1939 - January 30, 2018 Dear and beloved Gisela Kittel / Mom / Oma / is enjoying the afterlife now, with the angels and her most cherished Lord and savior Jesus Christ. On January 30, 2018 at age 78, Gisela died peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She had been diagnosed with brain cancer just 5 months prior, and fought as best she could with the most positive reverence. Her reaction to the diagnosis: "It's God's will," and "we're gonna beat this thing." Gisela is survived by her brother Helmut Kittel (Echterdingan, Germany), sisters; Renate Votaw (Lexington Kentucky), Trudy Cahoon (Greenville, North Carolina). And by three sons; Tom Bowman (Ruth) Tucson, Jack Bowman (Kelly) Indiana, Christopher Facio (Tucson), grandchildren in Tucson; Jared Bowman, Wyatt Bowman, and in Indiana: Brandon Bowman, Rylie Bowman. And by several nieces and nephews and cousins. Gisela was preceded in death by her father Josef Kittel, mother, Klara Kittel, sister Helga Kittel, and daughter Heidi Bowman. Gisela was born on December 9, 1939 in Möhringen, Stuttgart, Germany. She was baptized on December 11, 1939 and confirmed into the Lutheran faith on April 4, 1954. Gisela grew up in Echterdingen, Germany (Leinfelden-Echterdingen) with her parents, 3 sisters and 1 brother. Later in life she told us stories about her early childhood; how life growing up during World War II war was scarce but joyful as innocent young children somewhat oblivious to the war. Gisela came to the United States in March, 1961 as a wide-eyed, young bride. She was incredulous at the size of the United States, as she crossed from New York to Arizona. In her early days in the U.S. she learned English quickly, and in many times, very funny and embarrassing ways. She earned her GED and U.S citizenship in the 1960's and studied nursing at Pima Community College. Gisela was a faithful servant to God and to Grace Lutheran church, and dedicated her life in service to help others through a variety of volunteer activities. To name a few: • Mission to the Children in Mexico • Pima County Jail Ministry • Sabino Canyon Rehab Outreach • Northwest Medical Center PACU • Lutheran Women's Missionary Society She babysat regularly for many children throughout her years, always ready to help families, and she cared for the elderly too. At Grace Lutheran church, Gisela regularly attended church services and Bible study. Her church activities included: Reach the World Choir, Christian Education Circle, Women of Grace, Altar Prep Team, Sunday Fellowship server, church service greeter, kitchen cook and helper for a variety of dinners and fellowship activities. She knitted and crocheted countless hats and scarves for children on nearby Reservations and for Mission to the Children (Mexico). Due to her deep and abiding faith, Gisela was never shy and never afraid. She talked to everyone, including strangers on the NYC subway, and offered rides to strangers in need. Much to the chagrin of her children, she traveled deep into Mexico at perilous times to help poor families. She was held at gunpoint at one time, but her faith got her through. Her home was always open, and full of warmth and laughter. She readily offered meals to anyone without a place to be… especially on holidays. She was a fabulous cook and some of her specialties included: green-corn tamales, German pretzels, spaetzle, rouladen, pork schnitzel, and countless homemade desserts — enjoyed by so many people over the years. When you were at Gisela's dinner table enjoying her cooking, you knew you were well-cared for and most fortunate. She had a life-long love of learning and curiosity that kept her young-at-heart, and always up for adventure. Her buoyant personality, easy laugh, larger-than-life presence, kind, loving, gentle, sweet and wonderful soul is missed every minute of every day by all who loved her dearly - and that's a sea of people. Words can't describe how extraordinary she was. To know her was to love and cherish her deeply. We love our dear Gisela / Mom /Oma. God rest your soul. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 24th at 3pm at Grace Lutheran church 830 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719. In lieu of flowers, Gisela requested that donations be made to Grace and that memorials given in her name be used to help open a new Child Learning Center for children ages six weeks through four years old, scheduled to open in 2019. Donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church and marked "Gisela Kittel Memorial." Grace Lutheran Church 830 N. 1st Avenue Tucson, AZ 85719