John Beitzel

John Edward Beitzel

John Edward Beitzel, 86, died on December 8, 2025. Originally from Wauwatosa, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John and his wife Amanda moved to Sequim, Washington in 1995 where they have poured their energy and hearts into the community.

John lived a life of purpose, beginning with his academic pursuits. He earned a BS in geological engineering from Michigan Technological University, an MS in geophysics from the California Institute of Technology, and a PhD in geology from the University of Wisconsin. Always up for a challenge, John joined the US Antarctic Research program and spent months at a time living in field camps on the icy continent conducting geophysical exploration of the Queen Maud Land Traverse. Beitzel Peak, a 7,120-foot summit within the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica, bears John’s name in honor of his research that contributed to advancing the understanding of the Antarctic crust.

John then joined the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) as a research geophysicist. His long-standing career took him to Richardson and Houston, Texas, to live and allowed him to travel the world in service of his work. John rose to the position of vice president of exploration and is remembered by colleagues not only for his intellect, humor, and leadership, but also for his generosity and skill as a mentor.

His generosity extended to the community throughout his adult life, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, the arts, and civic involvement. While living in Texas, John served on various nonprofit boards. He was founding chairman of the board of the Collin County Community College Foundation and served on the board of trustees for the Michigan Tech Fund. John also served on the Charter and the Planning Commissions for the City of Richardson, Texas, as well as assorted committees for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. John joyfully represented ARCO in their support of the Dallas Opera and the Special Olympics.

After retiring to Sequim, Washington, John joined the Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church and engaged in the community here. John was an early contributor to the establishment of the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic and remained active in the clinic over the years, serving on committees and on the board. In 2012, in honor of his commitment, the clinic established the Beitzel Award to recognize individuals whose service and leadership are invaluable to the clinic. John was named the 2003 Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, and he served on the Sequim City Council and as hospital commissioner for the Olympic Medical Center.

John is survived by his wife, Amanda Beitzel, his stepchildren Michael Reed and Lee Reed Zarnikau, three grandchildren, his sister Judy Bray, and his brother & sister-in-law, Peter & Mary Beitzel. A celebration of John’s life is planned for February 15 at 2:00pm at the Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church; all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church and the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic.