Gottfried A. Czichon, 61, of Lexington, KY died Aug. 22, 2008 at the Hospice Care Center at St. Josephs Hospital. Born in Frankfurt, Germany he served in the US Army during Vietnam, earning the rank of Private. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and a Marksman Badge for Rifle. He was of the Catholic faith.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Peggy; his son, Hans; step daughter, Debbie Bailey, both of Lexington; two sister Chris Sutton of Safford, AZ and Lydia of Frankfurt; and two grandchildren.
Graveside services with military honors were presented at 2:30pm on Wed., Aug. 27, at Camp Nelson National Cemetery.
My heart will never forget you. You, my dearest friend were such a kind and loving soul. I knew your secrets, the cloak you hid under, your constant wary eye, piercing the darkness with your devices, recipient of your tools, your craft. I’m forever thankful for your unique gifts made and given straight from your heart. I, who cannot follow in your footsteps as a lack of physical strength and never ending faith would stand in the way have the deepest respect for your superior intelligence and the unknown safety you brought to this country! I frown at the label, Private! Your secrets will always be hidden and have now been taken to your grave as was suppose to happen. My lipstick will forever mark your casket as well as your tombstone as a symbol of our “Bond”. The physical pain is gone. Now only love and peace are present. I am forever changed by your gift given to show me how wonderful it is for you now so that I wouldn’t feel sad, but rejoice at your new state of being! It’s hard to live here with the knowledge of what’s to come. I so yearn for it. Such a magical gift you have shown me! I am forever thankful, my dear Bond!