Donald Lowell Mittlehauser passed away at his home in Escondido, CA on December 5, 2023.  He was 88 years old.  Don, an only child, was born September 11, 1935 in Toledo, OH to Herman and Gladys (nee Bronson) Mittlehauser.

Proudly serving in the United States Navy for over 16 years, Don held the rank of LCDR upon discharge.  He had a long career as a dentist, retiring from his private practice in 2014.

Don served aboard the USS Piedmont (A.D.) and had duty stations at Great Lakes Naval Station once enlisted and later as an intern in the Dental Corps.  He also served in San Diego at Balboa Naval Hospital Dental Corps.  After serving active duty, he remained in the Naval Reserves for many years.  Don received the Purple Heart along with several Vietnam Service medals including a Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Combat Action Ribbon and two National Defense Service medals.  He was extremely proud of his Expert Pistol medal.

For many years he enjoyed his cabin in Yucca Valley, CA and hunting various islands off the coast of California, as well as many hunting trips to Arizona and Mexico.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sharon of Escondido, CA.; daughters Kim Verdugo and Kelly Mittlehauser both of Escondido, CA, Kris Shedd (Dan) of Santa Maria, CA; son Mark Mittlehauser (Jamie) of Willard, MO; 10 grandchildren, Tommy, Nicole, Madison, Cory, Rachel, Jason, Seth, Luke, Zoe and Cooper; and 5 great-grandchildren Angelina, Ezekiel, Parker, Paisley and Porter.

A committal service with military honors will be held at 11am, Friday January 19, 2024 at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.

Memorial donations may be made in Don's name to North County Veterans Stand Down (NCVSD), PO Box 1797 Escondido CA 92033 https://ncstanddown.org/ OR Veterans Village of San Diego, 4141 Pacific Highway San Diego 92110 ATTN: Development https://vvsd.net/donate/