Theodore Joseph (Tj) Mittelstetter
Theodore Joseph (TJ) Mittelstetter, Jr., 57, of Salem, VA entered into rest unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. TJ was a devoted and loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was a lifelong Washington Capitals fan as well as a fan of Roanoke minor league hockey most recently as a season ticket holder of the Rail Yard Dawgs. He enjoyed watching live sports especially hockey, F1/IndyCar/ NASCAR racing, the Little League World Series, UVA football and basketball and PBA bowling. In his younger years, he enjoyed camping, hiking and bowling, reaching his first 300 game on January 28, 2013. He was so proud of this achievement. When not enjoying sports, he could be found tinkering on cars or preparing meals for our family. He was definitely the family cook and was always interested in trying new recipes. Our family holiday meals will never be the same.
TJ spent almost 20 years in the water treatment industry, with the last 17 years at Water Chemistry. It was a job he loved as it kept him challenged with the opportunity to learn something new every day. He was considered an expert in the field and had built a loyal customer base over the years many who also became friends.
TJ was preceded in death by his son, Chris; parents, Ted and Joyce, and brother-in-law, Tim Cummings. The loss of his son was devastating to him as he cherished his role as dad. Left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Lori Cummings and Dawn Tooley; his brother, Toby Mittelstetter (Randi Cole); nephews, Shane Tooley and Ryan Keith (Gabbie) and their daughter, DeLacy; nieces, Sarah Arrington (Ty), Kelly Keith (Lynn) and her children, Owen, Emma and Jase, Gabby Mittelstetter (Ezra) and their son, Asa, Nathan Cole (Alex), and Madison Cole (Evan); uncle, Marshall Settles (Carol); aunt, Helen Clarke and numerous cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, August 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at Lotz Funeral Home Chapel in Salem followed by a period of visitation. The family will receive friends for food and fellowship at Toby & Randi’s home in Roanoke (address to be provided at service or you can reach out to Toby, Lori, or Dawn) at 6:00 p.m.
We request you come in casual attire representing TJ’s favorite sports teams (Washington Capitals, Rail Yard Dawgs, UVA), or the Grateful Dead (his favorite musical group).
A private burial and interment will follow at a later date at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Roanoke.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations directly to the funeral home to help with expenses or directly to the family in care of Dawn Tooley via VENMO @Dawn-Tooley.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
