Fred Paul Mitzel Jr., the son of Fred Sr. and Elizabeth (Welk) Mitzel was born on December 14, 1957 in Rugby, North Dakota, the second youngest of six children.  He died suddenly from a brain aneurism on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at his home in Balta, North Dakota.

Fred was raised in the rural Sandale Township, Pierce County home of his parents and was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Orrin.  He attended and graduated from Balta High School, the class of 1976.  Following high school, Fred farmed and ranched with his father. On May 25, 1985 he was united in marriage to Rita Schneider at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby.  The couple made their home, raised their three sons, farmed and ranched in rural Balta, North Dakota.  Fred and Rita strived to create a family centered home where the love of God and family came first and happy memories and hospitality thrived.

He was a cherished and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and friend to many.  Fred was very proud of his sons and spent a great deal of time farming, ranching, trapping, hunting, going to cattle sales with them and was very attentive to their needs; offering advice if asked.  One of his greatest gifts and joys was his granddaughter, Jaslyn.  He had an inborn instinct of the important things in life; God, the rosary, his family, extending a helping hand, a genuine smile, intense conversation and a pat on the back with others.  A special interest of his was to keep the family’s German heritage alive and would teach German to his granddaughter’s school class.  He loved to watch wrestling and NASCAR racing and was a big fan of the Bison and Green Bay Packers.  Rita will miss her and Fred’s date night, going to favorite restaurants and the movies.

Fred is survived by his wife, Rita; sons, Brad, Chris and Jesse all of Balta; granddaughter, Jaslyn; siblings, Ted Mitzel of Rugby, Betty (Jim) Summers of New Mexico, Mary Jane (Melvin) Schmaltz of Devils Lake and Dorothy (Chuck) Hooker of Rugby; special nephews, Fred and Bob (Tami) Schumacker; many in-laws, uncle, nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Sr. and Elizabeth; sister, Marlene Schumacker; sister-in-law, Christine Mitzel; father and mother-in-law, Leo and Magdalena Schneider; brother-in-law, Barry Kappes; and great nephew, Zachary Osowski.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta with spring burial in the Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Balta.  Father Brian Bachmeier, Celebrant.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby and will continue Saturday for one hour prior to the time of services at the church in Balta.

Rosary and vigil prayer services will begin at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.