David Pittsley
Funeral services for David Pittsley, 45, of Killdeer, N.D., were held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Killdeer, with Pastors Joel Sauerwein and Leif Bergerud officiating. Burial followed in the Killdeer Cemetery.
David passed away Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center in Dickinson, N.D.
David Lee Pittsley was born Sept. 3, 1965, to Glenn Walter and Betty (Jore) Pittsley in Watford City, N.D.
He grew up and attended school in Watford City, graduating from Watford City High School in 1983. Throughout high school, Dave enjoyed competing in football, wrestling and FFA, all for which he earned numerous awards and honors. During this time, he developed a close relationship with his wrestling coach, Frank Fish.
Dave continued his education at Dickinson State University, where he earned his degree in secondary education. While at college, Dave met the love of his life, Sandee Lazorenko. The two were married on June 18, 1988, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Killdeer.
The couple lived in Dickinson for four years. Dave taught at Beach High School for two years following his college graduation. In May of 1992, Dave and Sandee moved to Killdeer, and it was here they made their home on the outskirts of town and raised their three boys, Tyler, Brock, and Zane.
During this time, Dave proudly managed Cenex-Farmers Union Oil Company. He also became very involved in the Killdeer community, serving on the St. John’s Lutheran Church Council, Property Committee, Medicine Hole Golf Course Board, West Dunn Fire Department, Killdeer Wrestling Club, and announced all Killdeer Cowboy football games for nearly 20 years. The Killdeer Lion’s Club was very important to Dave. He served as past president and current treasurer. He was also awarded the Lion of the Year and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, which is the highest National award for a Lions member to receive. Dave was also very proud of the Lion’s Annual Fish Fry that he organized every fall.
Dave’s enjoyment of sports, hunting and golfing will live on with his three sons. He learned to love farming and ranching with his family. Two of his biggest enjoyments were attending his boys’ sporting events, and cooking Sunday morning breakfast for his family. David will be remembered as a loyal, hardworking man, dedicated to his family, community and work.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sandee; three sons, Tyler, Brock and Zane, all of Killdeer; father, Glenn (Rosalie) Pittsley Sr. of Bowman; siblings, Glenn (Merly) Pittsley of Merced, Calif.; Karen (Dale) Hagen of Arnegard, N.D.; Ellen (Jim) Jefferson of Mandan, N.D.; Louise (Dave) Arnold of Watford City; Donald Pittsley of Watford City; Nancy (Dennis) Cornwell of Jerome, Idaho; Jim (Kristy) Pittsley of Watford City; sister-in-law, Mary Pittsley of Mandan; brothers-in-law, Dwight Norby of Keene, N.D.; Scott (Kristy) Lazorenko of Killdeer; mother and father-in-law, Florine and Alex Lazorenko, Killdeer; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Pittsley; sister, Della Norby; brother, LeRoy Pittsley; sister-in-law, Ceta Pittsley; grandparents, Almer Jore, Della Nyland, Ernest and Irene Pittsley, step-grandfather, Ted Nyland, and several aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made for a future scholarship in David’s name.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.