1950 ~ 2019

Patrick John Pelzer passed away at age 69 on April 30, 2019. He died peacefully at home after a courageous 9 month fight with cancer.

Pat was born on March 24, 1950 in Austin,  TX  to Patrick & Gertrude (Cooner) Pelzer.

His family moved to New Orleans when Pat was 12. Upon his 18th birthday,  Pat inlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Viet Nam with the 2/27th, 25th Infantry Division as a combat photographer. He returned home to New Orleans, after being honorably discharged, to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a career magician.

In 1991, Pat moved to Las Vegas,  NV to continue his career as the successful manager of an upscale magic store in the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace.

 After retiring from the Las Vegas magic community,  Pat was left with the free time to pursue his many other interests including birding,  cross country motorcycle touring,  sport shooting, desert exploration and photography. All of these interests easily combined to produce a fascinating collection consisting of thousands of beautiful and unique photographs, many of which are published online through Flickr.

In late 2016 the decision was reached to leave Las Vegas. Six months later,  with the lure of mountain air,  a small town community,  a yard for the much – longed – for puppy and most of all, the closeness of family,  Pat hit the road for Colorado Springs. He found much happiness,  peace and a renewed love of magic in his new home.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, as well as sisters Katherine and Mary Pelzer.

He is survived by his wife Joanie of 29 years, daughters Joanna Stark Duke of Colorado Springs,  Erika Pelzer of New Orleans, his sister Ann Borne of New Orleans , a nephew,  great niece and several cousins.