You will never be forgotten
Dave Mitchell Melheim
April 19th, 1962 - November 5th, 2022
Dave Mitchell Melheim, known to all that loved him as Mitch, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 5th surrounded by his loved ones.
He was the oldest of three sons born April 19th, 1962 to Dave and Maureen “Mikie” Melheim of Des Moines, Iowa. Mitch was preceded in death by his beloved mother and Father in Law, Ron Kurtz. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lori Melheim; his daughter Kiley and her husband Evan Burd along with their children: Leah, Everett, Jack, Owen, Julia, Zeke, and Mila; his son Matt and his wife Kira Melheim along with their daughter Raegan; his daughter Amy and her husband JD along with their children: Brooks, Greyson, and Monroe; and his brother’s CJ and John Melheim. Anyone who knew him knows “Papa Mitch” lived for his wife and the family they built together.
Mitch graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Iowa State University in 1984 and had a successful career with Baird and Stifel Nicholas.
Despite his material success, Mitch always considered his greatest accomplishment during his time in finance was the lifelong friendships he cultivated over those many years. Eventually, he left finance seeking new horizons in building and construction. He spent the next 17 years establishing Randall Mitchell Companies, building custom homes, and as always cherishing genuine connections with those he worked with and built for. His career culminated when his son, Matt, joined Randall Mitchell 4 years prior to his passing. Matt successfully took over the day to day for Randall Mitchell Companies in 2019 and continues to thrive in both construction and building relationships with his clients that span far beyond trusses and tile selections
Three Passions of Mitch
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Family & Children
Mitch or affectionately known as Papa Mitch had a special place in his heart for children and his family. He put his family’s needs above his own, always, never met a baby he couldn’t calm and became best buddies with every kid in his life
Motocross
A lifelong passion. Mitch was able to share this passion with anyone who would listen. Teaching his son, daughter-in-law, grandsons and granddaughters how to ride brought him such happiness and we are all confident his rode through the gates of heaven on his KTM bike
Cancer Research and Screening
A cause close to Mitch’s heart in hope that no one would have to suffer a loss as we have again. We encourage everyone who knew Mitch to get screened often and be proactive with your doctors, you know your body best and early detection is the best chance anyone has to beat it
Aside from his family and professional endeavors, Mitch had many other passions.
His happy place from a very young age was on a dirt bike or behind a drum set. His love for motocross supplied him with an abundance of enjoyment, endurance building, broken bones and in true Mitch fashion… friendships. His passion for racing also brought endless hours of happiness, mud, and laughter to his fellow racers, his son Matt and his wife Kira, and his grandchildren that loved following in Papa’s tire tracks. His love for music, specifically Bruce Springsteen, was infectious and, like most of Mitch, came with it a depth and authenticity that few experience when turning on the radio. He felt that so much of life’s hardships and triumphs could be celebrated and mourned through meaningful song writing and he spent his time on earth feeling all of life’s moments, both good and bad, through music.
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In the final 3 years of life, Mitch battled lung cancer
Despite his health issues, he did everything he could to make the most of every moment with his family. He reconnected with loved ones, traveled the country with his “hot blonde” wife, worked on his bike, bought his dream car, went to soccer games, witnessed his Boo Bear find love, cheered on home runs, crawled on the floor and laughed with his grandchildren, saw Bruce and Colbert live with his Peanut Angel, fished with lifelong friends and family, tailgated with his Mattman, went boating with the guys, mowed the lawn, snowmobiled with his brothers, reminisced with his son’s namesake, flew to DC to see Brandi Carlile, mowed the lawn some more and made the most of the life he built. Mitch never left anything on the table and rode into the next life with a full heart and an open throttle.
In the final 3 years of life, Mitch battled lung cancer
Despite his health issues, he did everything he could to make the most of every moment with his family. He reconnected with loved ones, traveled the country with his “hot blonde” wife, worked on his bike, bought his dream car, went to soccer games, witnessed his Boo Bear find love, cheered on home runs, crawled on the floor and laughed with his grandchildren, saw Bruce and Colbert live with his Peanut Angel, fished with lifelong friends and family, tailgated with his Mattman, went boating with the guys, mowed the lawn, snowmobiled with his brothers, reminisced with his son’s namesake, flew to DC to see Brandi Carlile, mowed the lawn some more and made the most of the life he built. Mitch never left anything on the table and rode into the next life with a full heart and an open throttle.
‘There will be a private celebration of life in early 2023’
‘There will be a private celebration of life in early 2023’
In Honor of Papa Mitch
“The Ryan Dungey Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation of children. We will focus our efforts on supporting the fight against childhood cancer and our commitment to help children live healthy and active lifestyles.”
We chose this amazing foundation because it perfectly embodies who Mitch was and gives to each one of his passions in life: Family & Children, Motocross and Cancer
8 thoughts on “Memories of Mitch”
So sorry for the loss, Mitch was a honest professional business owner! If there is anything we can do to help your new business grow please let us know!
Larry & Kathy
Our hearts are broken 💔 we will always remember his smile and wonderful hugs. You are all in our thoughts and prayers 🙏 Sending you all hugs. See you in February. We love you. ❤️ Uncle Johnny and Aunt Rita
I want you to know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you all. Mitch was one of the sweetest people I know. I could always see the love he had for his family and friends I know he will truly be missed. Love you all. Nita and Jim Hoffman
Mitch and Lori came to my rescue twice while I lived in Bonita Springs. When an unscrupulous contractor committed fraud and abandoned our home construction project, Lori and Mitch agreed to finish the project and treated my wife and me like family. Months later when I discovered that Missy had passed away at our home, Lori and Mitch came to the house immediately. They were the only people I knew in Bonita Springs. I will never forget their kindness and caring during the most difficult time of my life. I became aware of Mitch’s passing yesterday. Lori, I am so very sorry for your loss. The community has lost a truly wonderful human being. May God bless Mitch, Lori and the Melheim Family!
I was lucky to have even met Mitch, more-so to have known him (and his family). He was down-to-earth and radiated positivity. The best “all-around” person – there’s no one I have admired more. I’m at a loss for more words because none are good enough. My condolences to his entire family and everyone else who knew him…..
From a bike ride to the Tasty-Freeze in 6th grade, he and Lori being the first to visit Kim and me at the Naples hospital after our girls were born, the smile on his face whenever he hugged my kids, to how much he taught me about business, the blessing of crossing Mitch’s path was a truly a gift from God. He loved his family with such a beautiful fierceness, and defined the word, “Friend.” He showed us all how to live life to the full, and I will miss him dearly.
With deepest love to Lori and the family. You are in our prayers that the precious memories of Mitch, and the peace of God fill your hearts from now until forever.
I am sorry for your great loss. I worked with Mitch in Public Finance at Baird for many years – and I missed him when he left. He was one of the finest and most genuine people I ever met. God bless you.
Mitch was such a kind hearted individual. I only had the chance to know Mitch for about 5 years. I always enjoyed working with him and the entire family when building homes. Mitch and his family would take care of anyone I introduced them and treat them like family. Someday we will get to take that ride together. Wheels on the ground and feet on the pegs my friend. You are missed. God bless your family.