It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to Elke Maria Fitzanko at the age of 73. Born on October 2, 1951, in Augsburg, she passed away on August 18, 2025, in Kiowa County, Oklahoma, as a result of a car accident.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband.

Elke was a woman full of joie de vivre, with an open heart and deep faith. Raised in Wolfratshausen, she moved with her husband James "Jim" Fitzanko, whom she married on October 29, 1987, in Belton, Texas, through many stages of her life – from Hanau to Wetzlar, Augsburg, and Crailsheim to her adopted home in the USA. Their journey together took them to Walters, Snyder, and Manitou, where they found their home. After Jim's death in December 2024, Elke has now followed him into eternity.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who gave her family love, warmth, and strength. Raised in the Catholic faith, Elke lived her Christian life with complete conviction and was committed to her community. She loved being outdoors, especially fishing or socializing, and spoke humorously about her special luck at the slot machines in the casino.

She is survived by her daughter Sandy and her husband Chris from Schongau, her beloved grandchildren Vanessa, Jessy, Andi, and Michael with his wife Linda, and her great-grandson Moritz—all of whom live in Bavaria. They will all carry Elke in their hearts forever.

Elke leaves behind traces of love that remain—in the hearts of those who knew her.

"What you carry in your heart, death cannot take away."