Robert John Mittlestadt

Robert John Mittlestadt (aka, Johnny, Bob, Grandpa John, Papa John, and Trapper) age 83, Darboy, WI was welcomed home on May 26, 2023, after a very brave and courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He entered the gates of heaven and was embraced in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
John was born on March 31, 1940, in Appleton, WI, where he attended school at St. Paul Lutheran, Appleton High School, and Fox Valley Technical College. John worked at the Appleton Fire Department for 16 years and then as a CPO and crane operator at the Kimberly Paper Mill for 22 years. He had a very good sense of humor and was known to pull a few pranks in his time.
John married Rita West on April 15, 1996. They enjoyed 27 happy years together, traveling, going to bingo, visiting relatives, and gambling at local casinos.
John enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on the mighty Wolf River, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and hunting trophy bucks in the swamp. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, dirt track racing, and WIR. John was a jack of all trades and loved tinkering in the garage, working on his old cars, and was a curious collector of interesting artifacts. He also enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers and visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
John is survived by wife, Rita Mittlestadt, his children Randal (Cathy) Mittlestadt Mackville, WI, Gail Gerhardt (Greg Brux) Kimberly, WI, Mitchell (Lisa) Mittlestadt Ada, MI, and Mark (Sara) Mittlestadt Appleton, WI. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, stepchildren, and step grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Richard F and Esther (Radtke) Mittlestadt, siblings Vernon Mittlestadt, Glenn Mittlestadt, Richard G Mittlestadt, Donald Mittlestadt and Delores Schafer.
Our family is thankful for the compassionate care that ThedaCare Cancer Center provided throughout John's illness. We would also like to thank ThedaCare Hospice for their guidance and support in his final days at home.
Dad, we will all miss your laughter, wisdom, your silly pranks, your raised eyebrow, and all the lessons we have learned from you. Heaven has gained a great soul! Adios! We'll see you on the other side.
Private services will be held at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton on June 6, 2023.
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