Hartmut B.R. Parnitzke

Hartmut Bernhard Richard Parnitzke, 76 years of age passed away on Wednesday, August 14th at his residence. He was the loving husband of Anne Parnitzke (nee Garbett). Devoted father of Eric Parnitzke (Jennifer), Lisa Gerwe (Tony), Sarah Wilke (Chris), and Chris Parnitzke (Carissa). 

Caring Papa of Collin, Alec, Max, Nicholas, Ava, Dominic, Victoria, Owen, and Ben. 

Dear brother of Hannchen (Newport, KY),Hubert (Voerde, Germany),Ursula(Fairfield, OH),Rose(Olean, NY), and Brigitte(Newport, KY) and predeceased by Klaus, Irmgard, Reinhardt, and Johannes.

Hartmut shared a birthday with his wife of 54 years on December 26th. He was born in Hotensleben, East Germany after WWII to his brave parents, Bernhardt and Liesbeth (nee Freimuth) . His family was sponsored by the Taft Family to immigrate to the US in 1956. He was an avid runner for most of his life running cross country for Newport, HS and participated in every Heart Mini Marathon from 1978-1991. 

 As a US Army Vietnam veteran as a Specialist 5. He received several bronze stars as well as the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Civil Action Medal. He received his US citizenship while in the Army. He married his one true love while on leave on January 3rd, 1970. In 2010 he retired from Cincinnati Bell after 37 years of service and was always grateful for the opportunity to serve the company. 

Hartmut enjoyed the outdoors and had a passion for racing Homing Pigeons. He was a member and treasurer of the Greater Covington Pigeon Racing Club for 65 years. This is a sport brought from Europe where Homing Pigeons are bred and trained to "race" home using their instinct as far as 500 miles from their home. Upon retiring from the phone company, he turned his love for Racing Pigeons into a successful business for 25 years (A Sign of Peace). He was a member of the Catholic Kolping Society of America for 47 years.