Linda Mahon
Bunni, was very sorry to see that Zitz passed. Mom and Dad ( Gene and Julia Law ) always had a great time when you all were with Bud and Hallie. My prayers are will be with you.
Birth date: Sep 22, 1941 Death date: Jul 13, 2019
Ronald M Zitzlsperger, Zitz to friends and family, died peacefully July 13, 2019 with family by his side. Zitz was born September 22, 1941 to Joseph and Catherine Zitzlsperger in Denison, Iowa. He graduated from Denison High Sch Read Obituary
Bunni, was very sorry to see that Zitz passed. Mom and Dad ( Gene and Julia Law ) always had a great time when you all were with Bud and Hallie. My prayers are will be with you.
Our deepest regards, love and friendship come to you, Bunni and family as you travel on this journey. Remembering Mr. Z always will bring smiles to our heart. What a terrific guy he was. He always brightened our day with his outgoing smile. He touched many lives and encouraged his students to always do their best – and then do more! Peace and Prayers my friend. Ed and Judy Falk
One of the brightest individuals I have ever known. He had a dry sense of humor that could be downright hilarious. He was a consummate professional. “He knew his stuff; he knew who he was stuffing, and he stuffed it artistically.” I had many shared stories and jokes with Z at Woodrow. I supported his student plays and he supported the student games and matches. And, more than once we supported vocal and instrumental concerts along with art shows. We kept in touch, off and on, through the years, but not near enough. He had a great laugh and was not afraid to let it be heard. He was always Z – a true original. Rest in Peace, Ron.
Z and Bunni have been great friends for over 40 years (as well as wonderful colleagues back in our teaching daysin Decatur). Diane and I are just devastated at his passing, but we have wonderful memories over all those years which we will cherish forever. Our deepest sympathies go to Bunni and all the family!
I was so surprised and saddened to read about “Z’s” passing. I haven’t seen you for quite a while and wasn’t aware of his problems. I have been reflecting on so many memories of “Z” (as we called him) from our days at Centennial Lab School and beyond. He was a gifted teacher and a wonderful, talented man. I remember a play he directed while he was at Woodrow and Dana was in it. The kids were all so impressed by his theatrical abilities that they presented him with a dog (Golden Retriever?) that they all named “Actor.” I am so sorry for your loss, Bunni. Take comfort in knowing what a full life “Z” lived and how many people’s lives he touched in such meaningful and heartfelt ways. You have my deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
I taught with Zitz at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in the mid to late 70’s. He was so welcoming. He was a favorite among staff and students. He always had a smile for everyone and had a wonderful sense of humor. I often think of those wonderful days and Zitz is always part of those memories. He truly blessed and enriched the lives of those around him. I pray the wonderful memories you have will provide you comfort.
Ron—“Mr. Z,” when you retired, you opened a door for me to teach at Roosevelt Middle School. When I began readying your previous classroom for my first year, I realized your gift in the opportunity to use some of the good teaching resources you had left behind. But I am most thankful for the encouraging atmosphere that still existed in Room 205. It radiated a legacy of loving your work and, thus, instilled a confidence in me without you even being there to say a word. I do remember, too, a day you stopped by and gave me a pep talk. After meeting you for the first time, I knew that my assumptions had been correct: I was working in a place where you had artfully and expectantly created an importance around learning—a comfort and inspiration to a new teacher. Like many others, I thank you, Ron “Z,” for your lessons, camaraderie, and friendship.
Mr.Z., he can described in a word or in a book, but his beauty as a human being, an educator, a mentor or as a friend could never be fully understood in one sentence. Mr. Z was my seventh grade language arts teacher at Roosevelt Middle School. He knew of me only through my mother, who was also an English and German teacher, prior to our meeting in his classroom was next to the great Illinois dame, Mrs. McAdam. His were always carefully and clearly worded. When I wrote a speech and presented it to a school filled with “athletes”, “cheerleaders” and “hip” kids, his reaction: “That was a damn good speech young lady. Keep those coming! They do not understand yet, but one day they will grow up and think.”..and so I do. Thank you, Mr. Z. Thank you for encouraging me to read, to write, to speak and to explore the world. Sending you my love and gratitude as my own eulogy from my home in the Netherlands.
Mr. Z was a wonderful teacher and good friend to myself, Leslie Baudino Conrad, and my father Leo Baudino. He gave me guidance and encouragement at a time in my life when it was desperately needed. His intelligence, kindness and gentle ways will be greatly missed.