John Richard Mitzel

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 26, 2017, at First Christian Church in Ames. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

John Richard Mitzel was born January 19, 1940, in Clatskanie, Oregon to Vernon and Helen Mitzel. He grew up in Oregon where he received his high school education. Following graduation, John continued his education at Lewis and Clark College before transferring to Oregon State University earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Microbiology.

On June 30, 1963, John was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Jeanne Smith. The couple has been blessed with one son, Andy. John made a career as a biologics expert with the USDA-APHIS for 44 years.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and photography. Most of all, John loved spending time with Gwen traveling the world, and his family who all held a special place in his heart.

John will be deeply missed by his wife, Gwen; son, Andy (Amy) Mitzel; grandsons, Brennan, Calvin, and Daniel; and sister, Verna (John) Kolkowsky. He was preceded in death by his parents,

Memorial contributions may be directed to First Christian Church in Ames, or the Cancer Resource Center at Mary Greeley Hospital.