Elwood Clinton Weitzel passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, at the Mitchell Care Center after a brief illness. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Jones Mortuary in Mitchell, Nebraska. Interment will follow at the Mitchell City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to the Mitchell Fire Department or donor’s choice. Visitation will be held at Jones Mortuary on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 4pm -6pm. Online condolences may be made, and his full obituary can be viewed by visiting Elwood’s memorial page at www.jones-mortuary.com.
Elwood Clinton Weitzel was born January 21, 1933, in Scottsbluff, NE to George and Lydia (Henrick) Weitzel. He attended the Spotted Tail Grade School for all of his elementary years, then transferring to Mitchell High School in his freshman year. He excelled in all sports but mostly in track and football. He received many State and Regional awards in track events. Growing up he was active in 4-H. He was especially proud of his Grand Champion steer that the Governor of Nebraska purchased at the 4-H sale.
After high school graduation, he was awarded a full tuition athletic scholarship to play football for the University of Wyoming. This scholarship included all expenses paid for tuition, dormitory, meals, books, and also included all of the perks that went with the scholarship. He pledged as a Kappa Sig while at the University. For three years, he proved to be an excellent asset to the University of Wyoming football team, until he was injured in play, which ended his football and college career. He then returned home to farm with his family on the family farm. Along with farming, he and his family raised lambs. It was hard work and long hours day and night watching over the lambs. This ended when the Swift Packing Plant closed in Scottsbluff, and he then turned to cattle ranching. Cattle became his passion until his death.
Since his own college education ended prematurely, he was especially proud that all five of his children were able to graduate from college. Some of his grandchildren were also able to attend and graduate from the University of Wyoming. He was excited that he now had three generations of “UDUB” students in the family. He would tell anyone that would listen about all of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, as he was so proud of all of them.
He was a 50-year member of the Mitchell United Methodist Church. He held a lifetime membership in the Elks and was an associate member of the Mitchell American Legion for many years.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Doris of 59 years. His children Jeffrey (Susan) Weitzel; Craig (Cindy) Weitzel; Wendy Lewandowski (fiancé Jay Neibauer); Eric (Carree) Weitzel; and Kevin (Donna) Weitzel, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family wishes to give special thanks to the Mitchell Care Center staff for giving exceptional care to Elwood.
