Mitchell Stephen Reitzer

Mitchell Stephen "Mitch" Reitzer, 81, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2026, with family by his side. Mitchell was born on August 26, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, where his family owned and operated a delicatessen. As a young boy, he helped out at the family business, working behind the penny candy counter. In 1953, his family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, to take over his late grandfather's grocery store.

After graduating from high school in 1963, Mitchell attended college before deciding to enlist in the United States Navy in 1965. During his service, he was stationed in Maine and later Washington, D.C., working in naval security during the Vietnam War era.

In 1968, Mitchell married his wife, Meri. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1969, he returned to college while working as a cab driver to support his growing family. Their daughter, Rochelle, was born in 1970. In 1974, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Mitchell began his professional career in collections with International Harvester, which eventually relocated his family to Utah and then to Colorado in 1979. He continued working in the finance industry until his retirement. In 1983, Mitchell and Meri welcomed their son, Matthew.

Throughout his life, Mitchell enjoyed fishing, attending car shows with his late friend Roy, and managing his fantasy football teams.

Mitchell is survived by his beloved wife, Meri Reitzer; his daughter, Rochelle Brower (Don); his son, Matthew Reitzer (Lindsay); his five grandchildren, MacKenzie, Jacob, Zachary, Emily, and Christopher; and his brother, Ron Reitzer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Sara Reitzer.

Mitchell will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Whenever someone told him, “I love you,” his familiar response was always, “What’s not to love?”

Mitchell's life will be celebrated with a burial service at 11:30 am on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his life at 1:00 pm in Heritage Hall at Olinger Highland Mortuary in Thornton. A reception will follow.

Mitch loved to wear jeans. In his honor, please consider wearing jeans to his services.

In lieu of flowers, and in accordance with Mitchell's wishes, the family welcomes contributions toward planting a linden tree in his memory, or memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.