Richard Mittendorf Obituary

Richard J. Mittendorf

Jan 1, 1936 - Feb 4, 2026

Berlin Heights

After "WALKING" this road of life, Richard "Dick" Mittendorf, 90, of Berlin Heights, died Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at his daughter's home. He was born January 1, 1936, in Avon, to Edmund and Catherine Mittendorf and grew up working the family farm. He graduated from Lorain St. Mary's High School, proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War, and then attended John Carroll College and The Ohio State University, where he earned a BS in metallurgical engineering. Dick married Ellen Archer in 1960, and they moved to Berlin Heights in 1962. He worked as an engineer at NASA in Sandusky and the Ridge Tool Company in Elyria, retiring in 1998. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Huron, Berlin Echoes, and American Legion in Berlin Heights. He was an avid volunteer at Stein Hospice and Ohio Veterans Home, dedicating over 8,000 hours of service. More recently, he lived with family in southern Ohio.

Dick had a passion for walking and hiking, and logged many miles daily. He enjoyed backpacking the Grand Canyon, and even spent his 80th birthday on a solo 3-day hike to the bottom of the canyon. He loved growing a large garden and donating many vegetables to the local food pantry. Additionally, he grew many Christmas trees for the community.

Dick was a wonderful, kind and loving husband, father, grandfather (Pappy), and great-grandfather, had time for everyone and was always quick with a joke or a prank. To know him was to love him. He was in a loving marriage with Ellen Mittendorf (Archer) for 52 years, during which they traveled all over the world together.

He is survived by two children, Debra (Andrew) Kramb of Waynesville and Steven (Allison Hintz) Mittendorf of Bluffton, Ohio; six grandchildren, John (Kelly Flynn), Jacob (Caroline Bogrov), Rachael (Joseph Ruwe), Rebecca Kramb and Thaddeus and Reagan Mittendorf; and five great-grandchildren, James, Charles, Anna, Henry, and Owen Kramb. He is also survived by two siblings, Donald Mittendorf and Jean (Ray) Gilles and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen (Archer); parents, Edmund and Catherine (Sutter) Mittendorf; and brothers, John (Jack) and Gerald Mittendorf.

Friends may call from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, 38 South Street, Berlin Heights. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 430 Main St. Huron, followed by burial at Riverside Cemetery.

Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, 38 South Street, Berlin Heights, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.