Michael Nitzel
Michael Nitzel, 74, of Nampa, Idaho died in Boise on January 21, 2024.
He was born on Flag Day, June 14th, 1949. He grew up on farms in Illinois and Iowa with a childhood that included hard work but also the joy of fishing and hunting. He met his lifelong love, Glori, in high school Spanish class after he accidentally brushed pencil eraser shavings on her dress. Her initial annoyance led to conversation, then dating, then a marriage of over 50 years.
After high school, he attended Iowa State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and later a Masters of Engineering. As a recent grad, he saw an advertisement in an outdoor magazine for engineer employment opportunities in Idaho and the Midwesterner became an Idahoan for the majority of his remaining days.
His career as an engineer included working for the Idaho National Laboratory, a lab of the United States Department of Energy, as well as engineering consultant roles. Additionally, he participated extensively with the American Society of Mechanical Engineering Pressure Vessels & Piping Division, ultimately serving as division Chair and in its governing Senate.
Mike inherited his father’s “Nitzel’s fix-it-shop” shirt and hat, and rightfully so. Mike could fix just about anything. Weekends and evenings were spent crafting beautiful furniture pieces. His love for woodworking started when he put together a box set of furniture for his young daughter’s bedroom. He knew he could measure, cut, and create his own pieces with just as much, if not more, craftsmanship and detail.
He also shared his father’s love of flying. He became a private pilot and flew to various spots all over the Rocky Mountain states with his Cessna 172 and later with the Cessna 182 that was passed down from his father. These trips often included his son, who routinely fell asleep to the hum of the single prop engine. Mike’s passion for airplanes particularly extended to WW2 aircraft, to the extent that he delighted to point out the unique sound of the P-51 Mustang’s Rolls-Royce engine.
Mike never lost his love for the outdoors and was an avid fisherman who tied his own flies. He enjoyed camping and backpacking with family all over the forests of Idaho and Yellowstone. After retirement, he devoted many early mornings and late nights to photographing nature: sunrise birds over a lake, rose blooms, forest meadows, and the Milky Way were some favorite subjects.
Mike’s thoughtful, kind, and gentle presence will not be forgotten by his family and those who knew him.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine and Everett. He is survived by his wife Glori, his two children, Marisa & Cory, their spouses, and his four grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brother and two sisters.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mike’s honor to one or both of the following:
Warhawk Air Museum
201 Municipal Dr, Nampa, ID 83687
warhawkairmuseum.org/
Idaho Fish and Game Southwest Region
Please specify donation funds for maintenance of Wilson Springs Ponds
15950 N. Gate Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.