Michael “Evan” Deitzler (1992-2023)

We are devastated to announce the passing of Michael “Evan” Deitzler, 30, of Canoga Park, California, who joined our lord on March 23, 2023, having a health condition that robbed him of the wonderful future he would have had and leaving a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends, who were always entertained by his unique charm, engaging stories, and witty sense of humor. He truly brought the life to the party.

Born in Lebanon, PA, on October 31st, 1992, he is the son of Michael A. and Vicki Lee (Miller) Deitzler, of Lebanon, PA.

Evan was such a bright light in this world. He touched the lives of so many, creating extended families in both Pennsylvania and California.

His love of life was so evident in the way he lived. He was an adventure seeker, traveler, athlete, actor, storyteller, animal lover, movie buff, avid reader, Barstool Sports enthusiast, racing fan (be it auto or horse), Philadelphia Eagles devotee, leader, giver, and an all-around great guy.

Evan was a true lover of life…whether on the slopes, water, or in the office working beside people he loved, respected, and enjoyed tormenting regularly with his tricks and pranks.

Evan was passionate about interior design and recently completed renovations on his kitchen and bathroom. He wasn’t shy about giving his mom advice on how to better her furniture selections.

He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Annville while residing in PA, receiving all of his sacraments there. His spirituality ran deep, praying the rosary regularly.

If there was one thing that Evan was, it was determined. No matter what the challenge or request, he gave his all to ensure that he exceeded all expectations, whether for himself or others.

This started early as a child, when his love of Elvis Presley (cultivated by his grandma “Cissy”) at age 5 led him to acting. From Winthrop in The Music Man to Ralphie in A Christmas Story to Renfield in Dracula and Young Milton Hershey in The Milton Hershey Story, Evan loved entertaining, and he had a real talent for it.

He graduated from Cedar Crest High School in 2011, where he was an active member of CCHS Today, Student Television Network, winning National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid Atlantic Chapter Junior Emmy awards, as well as winning the first-ever national Student Field Reporter Contest for Schooljam USA, from which he received the honor to travel to the Battle of the Teen Bands competition finals in Anaheim, California to serve as an official Schooljam USA field reporter, where he interviewed the top ten finalist bands, judges, and celebrity guests.

Evan was a varsity letterman in football, and track and field, going on to compete in javelin in college at both Coastal Carolina and Temple Universities. He graduated from Temple University, in 2015, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in film and media arts.

Evan moved to California upon graduation from college, working first for William Morris Entertainment, then co-founding Willow House Films, and ultimately held his dream position becoming Head of Content, Marketing, and Special Projects at Warren Lotas, LLC. He often spoke of how grateful he was to Warren, whom he loved as a brother, for giving him the opportunity and creative freedom to be successful. One of his highlight accomplishments in his role was opening the WL Flagship store on Melrose Place in Los Angeles, CA. Evan truly loved his job and his entire WL family.

He and Briana Clark met, and Evan – who always said, “Don’t look for me to get married or have children,” quickly changed his tune. He shared with his parents that he planned to marry Briana and “have little babies” with her. He and Briana loved the outdoors and traveling together. He was so smitten, he even taught himself to play the guitar so he could sing to her playing their favorite song, “Baby Do” by Randall King.

Evan was beloved by most everyone who ever met him. He was a wonderful son, a protective brother, devoted boyfriend, dedicated colleague, one of the “fellas,” and a best friend to all. No matter the circumstances, you’d always leave with a story of something funny/crazy Evan did while you were with him.

Evan is survived by his parents, Mike and Vicki, who are so proud of their sons; his beloved brother, Austin; his paternal grandmother, Sandi Deitzler; his non-biological grandparents, Jeanne and Ed Arnold; Paul Garrison; and many wonderful cousins.

He is now reunited with his grandparents, Michael Robert Deitzler and Martin L. “Motz,” and Rosemarie “Cis” Miller; dear friend, Matt Easter; and cousin, Steve Gensler.

Evan’s love of family was intensely strong. When visiting home, he would often hang out with his parents and their friends (who also adored him) in one of his most favorite places, Mt. Gretna. He also especially enjoyed family dinners, holiday gatherings, and get-togethers with his dearest friends, who became family, Jeanne and Ed Arnold. Talking about politics and world affairs with Ed was one of his favorite pastimes. Jeanne’s stuffing was one of his favorite dishes. Christmas Eve at the Uhler’s (Bill and Dianne), more longtime friends who became family, was also a special time. Dianne’s pasta and other holiday gatherings were so meaningful to our sentimental Evan.

He told us many times what a great childhood he had growing up on Tanglewood Court. Riding dirt bike, snowmobiling, swimming, and running all around the neighborhood and Lebanon Country Club with so many neighborhood friends gave him so many fun memories.

Evan was one of a kind. He will never be forgotten and forever be remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. There will be a future celebration of Evan’s life planned for a later time.

Evan’s dear brother, Austin, said so well that, “All time has value, and although Evan’s time with us wasn’t nearly long enough, it was so full of value. Some live much longer, but not with anything close to the value that Evan’s time here had. We must remember that.”

Kreamer Funeral Home, Annville, will handle the funeral arrangements.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31st, 2023, from 6-9 PM at Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 618 E. Main St., Annville, PA 17003. Although this will be extremely difficult for the family, they really wish to honor Evan with open services for everyone who loves him. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, April 1st, 2023, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 125 S. Spruce Street, Annville, PA 17003, with Rev. Kevin Coyle as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Grand View Memorial Park, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory in the care of Michael or Vicki Deitzler, 10 Stoneleigh Drive, Lebanon, PA. Gifts will be placed in an account as a “Michael Evan Deitzler Memorial Fund” is created to establish a scholarship or award program in film and media arts.