John Carl Stitzel

Born in Longmont, Colorado to Ralph G. and Myra I. Maxson Stitzel, John graduated from Longmont High School in 1948. He subsequently served in both the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1951 and U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. During this time he met and married Mae Swan, and to this union was born a daughter, Ramona. After this marriage ended, John married Leah Fong, and together they had four children: Susan, Milissa, Melanie and Jon Brian. John and his family moved to Holdrege, Nebraska where he held his favorite job working for KUVR Radio in sales and on the air as both a DJ and as a play-by-play announcer for local high school sports. Returning to Colorado in the 1980s, he married Betty Stine and worked as a film processing technician for Robert Waxman Photo, Inc. until retiring in 1998.

John was known for his excellent memory, lively storytelling ability, and unending love for Colorado sports teams, particularly the Broncos and the Rockies. He loved to sit and chat with anyone on any topic, and his boisterous laughter rang out easily and frequently. He enjoyed participating in both the band and choir at his church, singing in his last Christmas concert in 2024 at the age of 94. John loved dogs and children, and could often be found holding either a dog or a small child in his lap.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother, Robert Lee (Bob) Stitzel, and by Betty, his wife of 30 years. He is survived by his children, Mona (Dave) Stout, Susan Stitzel, Milissa (David) Schmucker, Melanie Stitzel, and Jon Brian (Erika) Stitzel; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held on October 3 at 1:00pm at the Eagle Crest Community clubhouse, 4700 Eagle Crest Blvd, in Firestone. Interment of ashes at Longmont Cemetery will be private.