Michael Eugene "Big Mike" Stitzer, age 73, passed away suddenly on Tuesday August 9, 2022 in flight to Columbia, Missouri. He was born January 29, 1949 in Kirksville MO to John and Dorothy (Sullivan) Stitzer. He was the youngest of his siblings which included Barbara, Andy, and Richard. He was a 1967 graduate of Kirksville High School.

He was united in marriage to Janice K. (Perry) Stitzer on August 20, 1967 who was the love of his life for the last 55 years. From this union were born two sons, Michael Stitzer and James Stitzer. Mike was employed at Standard Register for 34 years but he loved to spend his off time with his family. One of his many hobbies he thoroughly enjoyed was "shooting skip" across the airwaves during the height of the CB radio phenomenon and using his amazing artistic ability drawing up QSL cards for many of his fellow CBers all over the United States.

As the CB radio phenomenon started to wane, Mike turned his attention to amateur photography and enjoyed capturing precious memories of his two sons as they participated in various sports activities. He loved watching his sons compete and never missed an opportunity to support and encourage them in whatever they did. Mike was first to grab a ball glove after getting off work to play catch with his boys. Many times, he would voluntarily work overtime to make sure that his boys had the best sporting equipment on the market. Whether it was baseball gloves, ball bats, wrestling shoes or a pair of football cleats, he always provided.

Though Mike always provided for his sons' every sporting need, it was his authentic compassion and kind demeanor that he provided to his family and friends that will richly endure in everyone's mind. He was always quick with a joke or with words of encouragement for those he would meet, especially for those he was destined to meet throughout his battle with cancer.

In his absence, he will be greatly missed by all of those who loved him. Yet his beloved wife and sons have no doubt that he is present with the Lord. They remember that Sunday afternoon when Mike surprised them all by taking them on their first ever plane ride. His reason for wanting to fly that day was that he had a deep desire to be closer to God. It's only fitting that a man full of grace and compassion would be taken home, out of the air by holy angels, and placed in the waiting arms of our Loving Lord.

Left to cherish his memory is Mike's beloved wife Janice; his two sons; one brother, Andy and wife Sarah Stitzer; and three brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Keith and Betty Alger of Keokuk, IA, Ralph and Lucille Bulen of New Cambria, MO, and Russell and Judy Watson of Gibbs, MO. Mike is also blessed with many cousins, nieces, nephews and seven grandchildren. Preceding his passing was his parents, his beloved sister Barbara and one brother, Richard.

By request, Mike only wanted a graveside service which will be Tuesday August 16, 2022 at 1pm at Highland Park Cemetery. His longtime friend Virgil Jones will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his wife Janice and may be left and or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.