PAOLA, Kan. – Michael D. Pitzer, 44, of Paola, Kan., formerly of Franklin Grove, passed away Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at his home, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Visitation and services were March 4 and 5, respectively, in Paola, Kan. Interment was at Paola Cemetery.

Local memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ashton-Franklin Center Middle School, 318 E. South St., Franklin Grove.

Michael was born April 4, 1966, in Rochelle, to Dale and Laura (Lohse) Pitzer. He graduated from Franklin Grove High School in 1984. He attended Kishwaukee College, Illinois State University, and Purdue University, graduating with his master’s degree in agronomy from Purdue in 1991.

After college, Michael worked in management with John Deere Co. for 20 years.

On Aug. 1, 1998, he was united in marriage to Melinda Adkins in Dixon. Since 2005, they made their home in Paola, Kan., after moving from Bettendorf, Iowa.

Michael enjoyed coaching football, baseball, basketball, farming, snowmobiling, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Purdue Boilermakers fan.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Roy Lohse, Harvey Pitzer, and Ralph Gallimore; and his grandmother, Iva Buse.

Survivors include his wife, Melinda, daughter, Lindsey, son, Brock, daughter, Madelyn, and daughter, Amanda Pitzer, all of Paola, Kan.; his parents, Dale and Laura Pitzer of Franklin Grove; his in-laws, Clifford and Linda Adkins of Nashville, Tenn.; two brothers, Jeff (Shelley) Pitzer and family of Franklin Grove and Randy Pitzer and family of Dixon; two sisters, Linda (Kurt) Dressnandt and family of Mukwonago, Wis., and Lisa (Chris) Jahn and family of Franklin Grove; paternal grandmother, Edith Pitzer of Franklin Grove; maternal grandmother, Helen Gallimore of Harrisburg; and grandfather, Ed Buse of Franklin Grove.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pitzer Memorial Fund (children’s education fund), First Lutheran Church, Catholic Community Hospice, and Miami County Cancer Society.

Condolences may be sent to Melinda Pitzer, 27990 Overbrook Road, Paola, KS 66071.