Blair Mitzel

Blair Mitzel, 67, Bismarck, died March 24, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 31 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave., Bismarck. A service livestream will be available on the church’s Facebook page, available here: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdbismarck/

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Blair Kent Mitzel was born to Sebastian and Marlys (Hanzal) Mitzel in Bismarck on March 25, 1954.

He graduated from Harvey High School in 1972 and the University of North Dakota in 1976 with a degree in accounting. He married “the best catch of his life,” Kathleen Kopseng on August 21, 1976, and they began their life together in Bismarck. Blair started his career working as a tax accountant with MDU and then spent thirty-five years working for Basin Electric Power Cooperative, retiring April 1, 2014. The majority of these years were spent as the Payroll Supervisor. He took great pride in his work and making sure everyone got paid on time and accurately. He knew how much the “little guy” depended on their paychecks to provide for their families.

Blair and Kathy were blessed with the birth of their three sons Matthew, Tyler, and Andrew. All three enjoyed countless hours with their Dad whether it was participating in sports, hunting, fishing, camping or just spending time together. His country home was a welcome place for friends and family where they were entertained with a warm-hearted campfire and his famous fish fry.

Blair was always willing to help anyone and offered a helping hand without expecting anything in return. He was a gifted athlete and competitive by nature, which helped him with the determination and strength that he needed in his four-year battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. His love of friends, family, and especially his precious grandchildren, Brayden, Isaak, and Everly were what kept him going through some very difficult days.

Blair's family includes his wife of 45 years, Kathy; his sons, Matthew (Melissa), Tyler (Brittany), Bismarck, Andrew (Megen Luther) Moorhead, Minn.; his mother Marlys, Bismarck; brothers, Ron (Nan) Seattle, Wash., Gary (Donelda) Minot, Steve (Elaine) St. Cloud, Minn.; and his favorite sister, Sheila (Tom) Peterson, Stephen, Minn.; his grandchildren, Brayden, Isaak and Everly; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents; and many beloved aunts and uncles.

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, family, and friends who supported Blair and his family through this difficult time.

Blair, “In Heaven, there are no fishing limits or snags to lose a jig. So cast away and fish all day with hopes the fish are big.”