Jerome L. Hitzfelder, age 73, of San Antonio, passed away on May 1, 2012 in San Antonio. He was born on Jan. 18, 1939 in La Coste to the late Herman Hitzfelder and the late Myrtle Bohl Hitzfelder Echtle. Jerome is preceded in death by his parents; sister Merrilyn Echtle Stinson; step-father, Francis Echtle. Jerome was Valedictorian of the class of 1957 at La Coste High School. He graduated from Texas A & I University in Kingsville and entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served for 15 years and 6 months and had two tours in Vietnam receiving the following: Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Oak leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Star; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and two Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm awards. His last overseas service was in Germany. Jerome was President of the Hot Wells Home Owners Association, Current Adjunct of the La Coste VFW Post 8134, member of St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church Men's Club, and Catholic Life Insurance La Coste Branch. Jerome was a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and a Wildlife Refuge. Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Hermina "Mitzie" and Kenneth Kossaeth of D'Hanis; brother, Marvin and Shirley Echtle of La Coste; brother-in-law, Ronald Stinson of San Antonio; nieces and nephew, Lynette and John Sumner, Tammy Kossaeth, Heather and Robert Mojiac, Rona Stinson, and Keith and Mary Kossaeth; great neice, Easton Mojiac; great nephews, Craig and Jason Sumner, and Ryan Mojiac, and Kevin Kossaeth; and other relatives. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Resurrection will be on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 11:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, La Coste, TX. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com