William R. Mitzel

1934 — 2014

William (Bill) Mitzel, age 80, peacefully passed away at home in Kirkland, WA on September 21st, with his wife at his side after 11 courageous years of battling Chronic Lymophocytic Leukemia.

He was joined in marriage to Patricia (Pat) Strom on November 6, 1957 and was married for 57 years.

Born in Wahpeton, ND to William F. and Alma Mitzel in 1934, Bill attended a one room grade school in Dwight, ND at the Mitzel School (the school was on his father’s land) and high school in Wahpeton, ND. He then went to work for Soltis Sheet Metal Co. In 1955 he was drafted into the army and served his country for two years. Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1957 at Fort Lewis, WA, he was offered a job at Bel-Kirk Heating in Kirkland, WA. by Bob Smith who became like a father-like figure to Bill.

He worked there for 26 years as superintendent until the company closed. He then went to work for a large commercial heating and air conditioning firm in Seattle: McDonald-Miller Co. He stayed with McDonald – Miller until he retired in 1989. Bill made many friends at McDonald – Miller and enjoyed working with each and every one of them. Bill always said he wanted to retire at age 55, which he did, one day prior to his 55th birthday. He then had 25 great years of hunting with his nephew Allen Mitzel, fishing, camping, traveling in their motor home, selling auto parts at the Monroe swap meet twice a year and fixing anything that needed fixing, being very meticulous in all of the things he worked on. He enjoying all of his many friends and was always pleased when they stopped by to chat. He loved working on lawn mowers, chain saws and John Deere garden tractors.

Bill was a member of Northwest Sheet Metal Workers Union Local #66 for 57 years and also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles- Kirkland #2681 for 45 years.

Bill made many friends at his two jobs and in his neighborhood. He did small engine repair for Northwest University in Kirkland after retiring and grew to love everyone he was associated with there.

He was known as “Uncle Bill” to all the neighbors and their children.

He always enjoyed his annual visit to North Dakota in the fall so he could check out the crops and the harvesting, where he now rests.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Marvin, Ivan, Floyd (Ike) and Lyle, one sister: Leona (Sis) Snider, his father-in-law: Gordon K. Strom and brother-in-laws Darrell Gast and James C. (Corrie) Snider. He is survived by his wife Pat, his mother-in-law Hebe Strom, sister-in-laws Dorothy Mitzel, Agatha Mitzel, Pat Mitzel (Ike’s wife) and Marlene Gast. Brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws: Donald & Ann Strom, Don and Mary Lou Roecker, Richard and Nancy Strom, Bruce Strom, Kim & Donna Kerry, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and his special friends: Harold Thompson, Ivan Atkins, Dennis Welch, D.D.S., Ray Cummins and Juris Mindenberg.

A funeral service was held at 1.30 PM on Monday, Sept. 29th at Vertin- Munson Chapel in Wahpeton ND with interment following his service, at Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND.

An informal celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Sunday, October 12th from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the home of Henry & Debbie Bischofberger 5807 – 114th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Leukemia — Lymphoma Society

123 N.W. 36th St.

Suite #100 Seattle, WA 98107