Gisela Banze

Gisela Anna Katharina Banze, 85, of Prince George, Virginia passed away Friday, June 13, 2014 in Worms, Germany near her childhood home. Gisela married William, a career US Army officer, in 1952 and moved with him to the US where she was lovingly embraced by his family, to whom she remained close for the rest of her life. She became a US citizen in 1956, but celebrated her German heritage and loved returning for visits to her family and friends in der Vaterland. Being an Army wife brings particular stresses, but Gisela found joy in the opportunities to make new friends. Elegant and outgoing, she loved her family and friends and enjoyed opera, fine jewelry, travel and a good party. She wished only happiness for everyone she knew, and gave it to everyone she met. "If I had my life to live over, I wouldn't change a single day." She is survived by her husband, William Banze; daughter, Barbara and her husband, Edward Roettger; son, William, Jr. and his wife, Laura Carr; grandson, David and his wife, Elizabeth; granddaughter, Katherine; and great-granddaughter, Hazel. There will be a visitation from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday June, 29, 2014 at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1769 South Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23805, with a visitation to be held from 1 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday prior to the service at church. Burial will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Capital Campaign of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com. Visitation Saturday June 28, 2014, 3 - 4:30 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel Click for Map and Directions Visitation Sunday June 29, 2014, 1 - 2:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Click for Map and Directions Funeral Service Sunday June 29, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Click for Map and Directions Burial to follow Sunday June 29, 2014 at Southlawn Memorial Park Click for Map and Directions