Richard Walter Mitzelfelt

Richard Walter Mitzelfelt, age 82, of Edgewood, New Mexico died in Albuquerque on Thursday, August 26, 2021. He was born on April 19, 1939 in Berrien Springs, MI to Harold and Sylvia Mitzelfelt. He was a third generation Seventh-Day Adventist and was the younger brother to Patricia and Harold Vincent and older brother to Sylvia.

He grew up on school campuses on both coasts. His family moved around a lot until they settled in Madison, TN where he worked as the head garbage collector for the community and helped in milk processing for the school.

In 1958, Richard married Carole King in Madison, TN. Their daughters, Darla and Lynne were born in Madison. While attending college, he would work for the National Park Service in the summers at both Mount Rainier and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. At Mount Rainier, he was the trail maintenance team leader. On the North Rim, he worked both as a fire tower watcher and as a firefighter.

Richard graduated from Southern Missionary College (now called Southern Adventist University) in Collegedale, TN with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. They moved to Georgia, where their son Richard LaMont (Monte) was born.

In 1970 the family moved from Calhoun, Georgia to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he joined the staff of the New Mexico Health and Social Services Department. In 1973, Richard was transferred to Farmington, NM. A few years later he and Carole were divorced.

Richard married Barbara in 1976 increasing his family by six children: Ty, Lori, Lee, Joe, Mary, and Daren. As his family increased, his career took off. In 1978 and 1979, he attended East Tennessee State University earning a Master of Science in Environmental Health. Upon graduation, he was promoted to Food Quality Manager heading New Mexico State’s Food Service, Pure Food, and Milk Quality Programs. Richard moved the family to Placitas while he worked in Santa Fe. While in this position, he authored the first set of Liquid Waste Disposal Regulations for the State, served as the president of NM Environmental Health Association, and was the Governor’s nominee for a National Environmental Health award. Richard rose to the top of his field and ultimately retired as the Director of the Environmental Improvement Division. After retiring, Richard worked for the City of Albuquerque overseeing inspection of restaurants. After leaving the City he spent several years in charge of the South Valley Community Kitchen, helping clients with development of commercial food products, regulation, operations and strategy needs.

Richard inherited his parent’s love for music and played the clarinet in the family band. He often sang at church services and over the years sang in several church choirs. You could hear him play the clarinet in church as well as the Albuquerque Concert Band.

Richard was a devout Seventh-Day Adventist and a man of character living a good and purposeful life. He held numerous church offices throughout his life including Pathfinder leader, Sabbath School Teacher, Church Elder and would sometimes preach at small churches.

After 37 years of marriage, he lost his wife Barbara.

In 2015, Richard married Donna adding two more children to the family, Deanna and Melodie. Richard and Donna have spent the last 6 years RVing with their friends Ed and Wanda.

Family was one of Richard's real joys in life. He adored his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved spending time with them. He remembered every birthday, anniversary and Christmas no matter how large his family got. Richard loved telling stories about his younger days. He always had a glint in his eye when he told on himself. Richard enjoyed being in the outdoors. He loved camping and traveling especially at the Grand Canyon, Cochiti Lake and Durango, Colorado. One of his favorite places for a western meal and good old fashioned entertainment was at Bar-D Chuckwagon in Durango. Richard’s kindness made a lasting impression on everyone who knew and loved him. He leaves a large hole in our family and in our hearts.

Those left to honor Richard's memory include his wife, Donna, sisters Pat Silver and Sylvia Cerrato and husband Noe; sister-in-law Karin Mitzelfelt, daughters: Darla Smith and husband, Danny; Lynne Antoun and husband Ben; sons, Ty Rudisaile and wife Jennifer; Lee Rudisaile and wife Laura; daughter, Lori Humble and husband Bryan; son, Joe Rudisaile and wife Monica; daughter, Mary Coleman; son Daren Rudisaile; daughters Deanna Palma and husband Ron, Melodie Harral and husband Chuck; grandchildren: Rachael & Miguel, Michelle & Jafar, Ryan & Rachel, Westin & Ilana, Stephanie & Jonny, Cody & Betty, Makala & Denny, Kami, Austyn, Jake, Lorissa, Jolie, Kendal, Karsyn, Bryan, Elizabeth, Anthony, Justin, and Christopher; great grandchildren: Alize, Joseph, Gavyn , Daisy, Oliver, Corbin, Jasper, Terence, Mary, June, and Sage; and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by wives Barbara and Carole, father Harold Mitzelfelt, mother Sylvia Straw Mitzelfelt, brother Vincent Mitzelfelt, brother-in-law Bob Silver, his son Monte Mitzelfelt, and daughter-in-law Chandra Rudisaile.

The family extends their gratitude and thanks to the Central SDA church family, East Mountain SDA church, neighbors, and friends for their continued support and assistance. A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on October 30, 2021 at Albuquerque Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2201 Estancia Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 (505-836-1845), with Pastor Don Gibson and Pastor Bill Kasper officiating. Interment to follow directly after the funeral at the Stanley Cemetery in Stanley, NM 87056.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.