Michael Alan (Chef Mike) Stitzer, 55, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of Michael Eugene and Janice Kay (Perry) Stitzer, he was born, April 12, 1968 in Kirksville, Missouri.

Michael is survived by his mother, Janice Stitzer of Kirksville, MO; one brother, Jim Stitzer of Kirksville, MO; four children Olivia, Sam, Natalie, and Christopher Stitzer; four aunts and uncles, Russell (Judy) Watson of Gibbs, MO, Keith (Betty) Alger of Keokuk, IA, Ralph (Lucille) Bulen of New Cambria, MO, and Andy (Sarah) Stitzer of Kirksville, MO, as well as many cousins.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Michael Eugene Stitzer on August 9, 2022; his grandparents, John and Dorothy Stitzer, and Fred and Genevieve Perry; one uncle, Richard Stitzer, and one aunt, Barbara Duffy.

Michael was a graduate from Kirksville High School with the Class of 1986, where he excelled in Football and Wrestling. He was a State Wrestling qualifier his Sophomore year and took 3rd place in State Wrestling his Junior year. Michael proudly served his Country from 1986 to 1989 in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Thomas S. Gates. Six of the months, Mike served as the personal chef of the Captain. After his honorable discharge, throughout the years Mike held Executive Chef positions in many different states. He enjoyed sharing his experience of making former President Bill Clinton special meals when the former President made a stop in Quincy, Illinois, where Mike was employed at the time.

Mike loved to go fishing, and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Mike has been cremated and a memorial service to honor his life will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 7, 2023 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Virgil Jones officiating. Inurnment will follow the service at Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville, with military honors.

Family will receive friends on Monday, August 7, 2023 for one four before the service in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

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