Gary L. Mittendorf

Gary L. Mittendorf, age 79, passed away on August 13, 2024, at The Arbors of Delaware. Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an eternal optimist that never met a stranger and had an adventurous spirit and magnetic personality. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 31, 1945. Gary was the son of the late Melvin Eugene Charles Mittendorf Sr. and the late Elsie (Rodermund) Mittendorf. Gary attended Lutheran grade schools and Lutheran High School Central in St. Louis and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1968, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Following his college education, he enlisted in the Officer Candidate Program in the United States Marine Corps. After receiving his Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1968, he was assigned to Vietnamese Language School training at MCDEC Quantico, Virginia before assuming his duties as an Infantry Platoon Commander and Company Commander in Vietnam. While serving in Vietnam, he received the Bronze Star with Combat V, the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V, along with various other medals and service ribbons. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was assigned as a Battalion Personnel Officer and upon completion of his “Active Duty” commitment, he continued his service in the Marine Reserves while pursuing his career in Personnel/Human Resources. He held various Human Resource Management positions with subsidiaries of Fortune 500 companies including such firms as Phillips Coal Company, Phillips Information Systems Inc., Chrysler Technologies, and Gulf States Paper. He was actively involved in many service organizations and was an officer in Military Order of the Purple Heart, Marine Corps League, various Rotary Clubs, and other Service and Professional organizations. Gary is preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen; and brothers, Mel, Michael, and Terry. Gary is survived by his daughter, Julie (Arian); son, Brian (Karen); sister, Carol Steffens; granddaughters, Abby and Sadie; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held Saturday, August 24 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 3924 Home Road, Powell, OH 43065. Visitation will be from 10 AM to 11 AM with a Memorial Service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund https://thefund.org/donate/ .

Gary L. Mittendorf

January 31, 1945 - August 13, 2024