Mitchell Lewis Holtapp passed away peacefully at his home in Indianola, Iowa on July 14, 2025.

Mitchell was born in Dubuque, Iowa on February 10, 1964. He grew up on a farm in Pomeroy, Iowa with his parents David L Holtapp and Linda Albrecht Holtapp and older sister, Laurie. He was baptized and confirmed at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Pomeroy, went to Pomeroy Community Schools through High School, and then took a course in Restaurant Management at DMACC in Ankeny.

Mitch shared his cooking talents throughout his life, working as a chef and managing kitchens in several restaurants, including Mr. K's in Ankeny and The Sandstone in Fort Dodge. Later, he worked at Fibre Body Industries in both Manson and Pocahontas. When he eventually decided to hang up his chef's hat and apron, Mitch became a taxi driver for Union Cab Company in Fort Dodge, where he formed a lasting friendship with the owner, Mary, and her family.

A date Mitch held close to his heart was September 1st, 2002—the day he began his journey of sobriety. He was deeply proud of this milestone. Mitch also took great pride in his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which he affectionately named Ginger, and the car he inherited from his father, lovingly called Black Betty. Mitch was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. He shared a special bond with his dad. Some of his most treasured memories were the fishing trips he took in Minnesota with his parents.

Mitch was a true people-person who never met a stranger. He built meaningful friendships everywhere he went—from fellow members of his AA group, Friends of Bill W, in Fort Dodge, to the regular passengers he picked up in his cab, to coworkers throughout the years and those he rode motorcycles with.

Survivors include his sister, Laurie (Mike) Barrett of Fonda, Iowa; niece, Rae Lynne (Scott) Snook and great-nieces, Alaina and Emrie Snook, all of Breckenridge, Colorado; and several cousins and their families; close friends that he considered his extended family, Jay O'Connor of Indianola, Mike (Jake) Jacobson of Fort Dodge, and Steve Gerdes of Pomeroy, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Michael David Holtapp.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m., Monday, September 1st, 2025 at Gordon Prange City Park, 501 Park Ave, Pomeroy, Iowa. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to service from 10 to 11 a.m.