Floyd Mitzel

Floyd Kenneth “Ike” Mitzel, 84, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, November 20, 2011, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls. He was born July 13, 1927, on the family farm near Dwight, North Dakota, the son of William F. and Alma (Gutzmer) Mitzel. He grew up there, attending school in Wahpeton. On May 1, 1950, he married Patricia McKibben in Breckenridge, Minnesota. He began his employment at the Wahpeton Chevrolet garage. The family moved to Fergus Falls in 1955 where he worked for Johnson Tire Company. In 1964 he became the plant manager for the 7Up Bottling Company, and in 1968 the Coca-Cola Bottling Company following their merger, where he was employed until his retirement in 1989. Floyd enjoyed metal detecting, fishing, woodworking, leather crafting, trapping, and horseback riding. He also enjoyed Indian motorcycles. Preceding him in death were his son, Jeffrey T. Mitzel in 1978; his parents, William and Alma Mitzel; three brothers: Marvin, Lyle and Ivan; and a sister, Leona. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Mitzel, of Fergus Falls; a daughter, Sandra (James) Stock of Fergus Falls; grandchildren: Jody Stock Johnsen and sons Tanner and Zachary, Melissa (Tyler) Halvorson and sons Brady and Jacob, and Stacy (Rodney) Stanley and children Kayla, Taylor, Nikolas, Tyler, Nathan and Jeramie; a brother, William R. (Pat) Mitzel of Kirkland, WA; and four sisters-in-law: Agatha Mitzel, Dorothy Mitzel, Joyce Mitzel, and Sharon (Roger) Coulthart. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a 6:30 prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Father Greg Paffel Interment: St. Otto’s Cemetery, Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.