In Memory of Michael A. Mentzer

Michael A. Mentzer, age 39, of Hesperia, California (formerly of Early, Iowa) was shot and killed by an unknown assailant on Monday, December 6, 2021. He passed away at the Victor Valley Global Medical Center of Victorville, California.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Early United Methodist Church of Early, Iowa. Pastor Nancy Peterson will officiate.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Odebolt, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Michael Allan Mentzer was born on March 13, 1982, in Denver, Colorado. He was adopted by his forever parents Keith and Kathryn (Lawson) Mentzer on December 11, 1989. Michael grew up on a farm north of Odebolt, Iowa, with his brother Curtis and sister Kristina. 

He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at the Early United Methodist Church where he was a member of the UMYF group. Michael received his education and graduated with the class of 2000 from Odebolt-Arthur Community School District. After graduation, Michael immediately left the area to join the Marines and attended boot camp in San Diego, California. 

Throughout his life Michael lived in South Dakota where he was employed at McDonalds before relocating to San Bernardino, California, where he worked odd jobs before settling in Hesperia, California, where he worked as a clerk in a liquor store and laundromat.

Survivors include his parents Keith and Kathy Mentzer; brother Curtis Mentzer; sister Kristina (Brad) Spence; nephews Isaia Martinez and Maddux Spence; niece Mariana Martinez; aunts Barb (Randall) Pratt and Karen (Wayne) Werner; uncles John (Laurie) Lawson, Daniel Mentzer, and Mathew (Kae) Mentzer; 14 cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Charles and Mildred Lawson; Howard and Betty Mentzer; and uncle Wayne Mentzer.