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In Memoriam: Harold ‘Hal’ Fitzke (April 6, 1931 – Jan. 10, 2023)

Harold “Hal” A. Fitzke, 91, died peacefully at home in Mount Angel, Oregon on Jan. 10, 2023.  Hal was born on April 6, 1931, in Silverton, Oregon, the son of Mary Teresa Plennart Fitzke and William Fred Fitzke. His sister Angela of New York City preceded Hal in death in 1997.  

Hal attended St. Paul Grade School in Silverton and High School at Mt. Angel Prep School.  He joined the US Air Force in 1950 and served as an Electronic Counter Measure Operator on 33 B29 bombing missions to North Korea, jamming enemy radar. After his honorable discharge he attended Oregon State and majored in engineering and business.  

Hal sold sport cars and enjoyed owning and racing them as well. He became a private pilot and sold airplanes for Skyways in Troutdale, Oregon.  Hal then became General Manager of A.B. Dick Products Co., the office equipment division of J.K Gill. In 1980 Hal purchased the Canon copier franchise for Portland and started Automated Office Systems which eventually became Ikon Office Solutions. Hal retired in 1998.  

Hal excelled in his hobbies:    trap shooting, sailboat racing, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the Elks Club in Silverton and volunteered with the after-school program for middle schoolers.  

Survivors include his wife, Carol “Sue” Jacobsen Fitzke; sons, Mike (Tracy) and Todd (Darci); daughter, DiNea ( Darren); nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  

A memorial service was held on Jan. 27 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mount Angel. Interment was held at a private family service at St. Paul Cemetery on Jan. 28.    

Donations are welcome for the church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements made by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.