Thomas Leslie Litzinger

Thomas Leslie Litzinger MSGT Retired USAF (Age 96) Thomas Leslie Litzinger peacefully returned home to the Lord, and his beloved on the evening of Sunday, February 25th, surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren. Tom was born in Waite Park, Minnesota on August 23, 1927, to Regina and Leslie Litzinger. He grew up in a rural setting, attending Tech High School in St. Cloud MN, and graduating in May 1945. With World War II still on, Thomas made the decision to enlist in the US Navy in June of 1945, where he served two years before being released into the Navy Reserves. He then worked on the Great Northern Railroad, until the Korean War began in 1950. Switching his branch of services to the United States Air Force, where he then pursued the greater half of his career in the rescue and survival field (SERE). For 26 years serving in the Air Force, his military travels took him to the Marshall Islands, Alaska, Greenland, and South America. During which time, Thomas adopted and constructed many of the teaching techniques still used today. And was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, as well as numerous other awards. In 1956 Tom met the love of his life Evelyn Stewart of Reno, Nevada. After a year-long courtship, they married in 1957 in Waite Park, Minnesota. Starting a family shortly thereafter, he and his beloved had 8 children. After serving at two previous bases, Tom was stationed at Fairchild AFB in 1968. After 30 years of total service to our country, Tom retired from the military in August of 1975, settling and making a home in Medical Lake, WA. After retiring from the military, Tom finished his B.A. degree in Fine Arts and went on to complete his Master's Degree in American Frontier History in 1979. Going on to teach Botany at EWU for a short time. He was also a very accomplished artist completing pieces at the local St. Anne’s Catholic Church, as well as the local Middle School gym. Participated in numerous Western Art Shows, as well as designed and constructed the Fairchild Air Force Base survival training lab and museum, where until recently his work stood for all these years. In addition to this, exhibits at Stead AFB, Nevada, the teaching lab and school at Eielson AFB, Alaska, as well as the Museum of Native American Culture at Eastern Washington University. He was an outdoor enthusiast who fiercely loved hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Was passionate about sports, especially baseball and football, and loved old John Wayne movies. And was an extremely proud patriot of his country. Loved traveling with his wife Evelyn, and spending time with his grandchildren. Found great joy in spending time in his studio painting, drawing, and working with his model train set he proudly designed and constructed. Tom lost his wife Evelyn of 62 incredible years in June of 2019. And missed her presence dearly. In his final years, he would discuss her daily, and would always tell his family she was waiting for him. Tom was a truly remarkable man both professionally and personally. He had the best stories, wittiest humor, and a heart that radiated selflessness. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will be missed and discussed for many years to come. Those left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are: Jacqueline (Dennis) Ochs and Edward (Tara) Litzinger. Theresa Litzinger. Margaret Litzinger. Joesph Litzinger. Fran Litzinger. Barbara (Brad) Houser. His 12 grandchildren, Amber (Mark), Jason, Jacob (Dalene), Cassie (Chase). Mason, Ava, Emily, Chelsea, Alex, Derek (Sarah), Jamie (David), Tiffany. His 18 great-grandchildren Cory, Taylor, Hannah, Dante, Tylee, La Roux, Elodee, Farryn, Ryatt, Easton, Stetson, Thorin, Ember, Ryan, Faith, Taylor, Bailey. And is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Mae Litzinger, his son William Litzinger, brother James Litzinger, sister Carol Gross, as well as his granddaughter Madison Rae Litzinger. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Annes Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 9:00 am in Medical Lake. Followed by Internment at 11:15 am at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, where burial and honors will take place. And a reception to follow at the hall of St. Annes Catholic Church.

Thomas Leslie Litzinger

August 23, 1927 - February 25, 2024