Gaylan Grant (Critter) Critzer, 66, of Sugar Grove, passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2024 of liver cancer with family by his side.  He will be forever with us through the memories that we carry in our hearts.

Critter was born on October 24, 1957 to Harry and Ruby (Head) Critzer. He married Linda (Kowalski) Critzer on January 16, 1982 at St. Luke Church, Youngsville.  He was a 1976 graduate of Eisenhower High School and later attended classes in surveying.

He started his work career early in life doing odd jobs at the age of 13 and worked for several oil drilling companies.  He leased as an owner/operator to Crossett for several years and later started his own successful excavating business, Critzer Excavating. He took pride in the jobs that he accomplished. One of his best accomplishments was building a pond behind his house which he opened for weddings, graduation parties, prom pictures, and family events. Gaylan was able to retire early at the age of 55 and enjoyed spending time with friends and family at the pond. He built an RC race car track and would invite anyone interested in racing. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing and bowling.

In his younger years, he loved fast cars and owned several classics. He was also an official for several years at Stateline Speedway.

His family consisted of his sister, Mary (Alan) Lindquist and two nephews, James and John, 4 brothers, Wayne, Harry, Calvin, and Timothy Critzer.  In addition, his wife’s close family consisted of Susan (Charles) Andracki, Barbara (Dennis) Pilling, and Joseph (Sheri) Kowalski.  Although Linda and Gaylan did not have children, Critter loved and was always there for his nieces and nephews, Julie Beers (Eric) and her children, Jason and Ethan Beers; Susan (Drew) Lackovic and children, Molly and Jack; Marie Andracki; Lisa (Jeff) Morgan and children, Carson Punch, Haley, Lexie, and Logan Weilacher; Sara (Dustin) Robinson and daughter, Grace; Jacob (Danielle) Kowalski and sons, Riley and Tyler.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell St., Warren, PA from 10-11am at which time a memorial Mass will be officiated by Father Mark O’Hern.  A celebration of life will be held at the Critzer Pond that evening after the service at 4pm to share memories of Critter’s life.

Those wishing to place memorial donations may do so to the Lander Volunteer Fire Department, 5555 Route 957, Russell, PA. 16345 or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave., Warren, PA. 16365.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net.