Obituary

Philip Matthew Pitzen, Jr., 74, passed away peacefully at home on December 27, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa, following a four-month battle with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML). At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by loving family and his dog, Wilson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League, 4343 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, Iowa.

Phil lived an active, rich, and deeply meaningful life. He was profoundly loved by his family, cherished by a wide circle of friends, and fully invested in every community he called home. Wherever Phil lived, he showed up, engaged, and committed to making things better.

Born on November 20, 1951, in Newell, Iowa, Phil was the youngest of three children born to Doris and Phil Pitzen, Sr. He was raised on the family’s livestock and agricultural farms, an upbringing that instilled in him a strong work ethic, humility, and an appreciation for the outdoors.

Phil graduated a year early from Newell High School in 1968 and went on to attend Morningside College on partial tennis and golf scholarships. Education mattered deeply to Phil. He later transferred to the University of Central Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in philosophy in 1974, followed by a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and Corrections in 1975 and an Education Specialist degree in 1978. He completed his Doctorate in Administration of Justice from Drake University in 1984.

While living in Missouri, Phil was introduced to deer hunting—sparking a lifelong passion. He was an avid outdoorsman who hunted ethically and intentionally, taking only what he would eat. During those early years, he also became deeply involved in the local tennis community, another passion that followed him to every town he lived in. Tennis, and later also pickleball, were constants in Phil’s life, as were the friendships formed on and off the court. He remained closely connected to his hunting, racquet-sport, and law enforcement friends throughout his life.

Phil devoted his career to public service and public safety. He loved his work and believed deeply in its purpose. He retired from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the Protection Security Advisor for the State of Iowa, where he was honored as U.S. Department of Homeland Security Employee of the Year in 2008 for his work in the field. Prior to that role, Phil served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and worked with both the Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Missouri Department of Corrections. He told wonderful stories from each chapter of his career—stories filled with insight, humor, and respect for the people he served.

Phil married Kathy Boeth in 1978, and together they raised their daughter, Susie Pitzen. In 2001, Phil met Joan Skogstrom, and the two were married in 2005. They blended their families and shared a life rooted in love, travel, hiking, racquet sports, and deep connection with family and friends. They renewed their wedding vows while in the hospital, an enduring reflection of their devotion to one another.

Those left to honor Phil’s memory include his beloved wife, Joan Skogstrom; his daughter, Susie Pitzen (Drew Balderson) of Des Moines, Iowa; his stepson, Jake W.S. Kuyper (Kaylee Kuyper) of Waukee, Iowa; and his four grandchildren, Cora and Lily Balderson, and Krew and Jace Kuyper, who brought him immense joy.

In honor of Phil, and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Central Iowa Tennis Alliance (CITA) in support of youth tennis programming. Contributions may be sent to CITA, 27836 Meadowview Lane, Adel, IA 50003.

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