Lewis K. Petzold Sr.

Mr. Lewis K. Petzold, Sr. passed away June 1, 2007 with his loving family by his side. His kind generosity and loving nature will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Lew was larger than life and will always be remembered for his commitment to community and his tireless efforts to help those less fortunate. Lew was born on November 12, 1923 in Kansas City, KS to Albert and Mabel (Green) Petzold. In his youth he suffered from many health ailments including a bone marrow infection in which he spent 10 months in the hospital. The many acts of kindness bestowed on him and his family during those years left an indelible mark on Lew that shaped the character of the man he became and his great love for the work of the Lord. Physically unable to serve in World War II, Lew sought out office jobs and was determined to succeed in all that he pursued. He touched many industries and businesses and had a colorful career as an insurance salesman, advertising sales manager and eventually owner of several successful businesses. He and his brother Jack formed a real estate development company and began developing homes in Olathe, KS in the late 1960's. Together their pioneering spirit and forward thinking helped lay the foundation for what has become a flourishing suburb of Kansas City. Lew met his wife Dorothy in Kansas City and they were married on April 2, 1964. They became proud parents, growing the family to include five children in four and a half years. Together they embraced home and family and Lew took great pride in nurturing his children. He was always poised for next adventure with his children ensuring that there was never a dull moment. Lew retired and the family moved to Winter Park, FL in 1979. With his new found free time he began his second career of community service. Throughout the 1980's he was an auxiliary volunteer for several years at Winter Park Memorial Hospital. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Mental Health. Realizing an unmet need of human service in the Winter Park area he founded the Human Crisis Council in 1983. Beginning as a part time food pantry, the Human Crisis Council grew to be one of the largest non-profit organizations in the central Florida area. Over its twenty- year history thousands of people received food and a word of encouragement. Lew himself worked tirelessly alongside volunteers distributing to the needy. He was recognized numerous times, both locally and nationally, for his efforts and service to others. Lew is preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Smith and brother Jack Petzold. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughters Laura Petzold and Roxanne Petzold of Winter Park, Polly Karling and son-in-law John of Saratoga Springs, NY and sons Lewk Petzold and Alex Petzold of Winter Park, FL; sister, May Rader of Kansas City, KS and brother, Albert Petzold of Olathe, KS. Visitation will be 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 at Newcomer Family Funeral Home, 895 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL 407-277-4227. A priviate interment will be held on Thursday at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park. In leiu of flowers the family request donations to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 407-875-0028 (www.vitas.com) or the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 407-295-1066 (www.foodbankcentralflorida.org). To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.NewcomerFamily.com.