Dawson Reifschneider

Dawson Reifschneider, age 25, of Mitchell, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Ogallala, Nebraska. His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Mitchell Berean Church with Pastor Joel Hergert officiating. Viewing will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, November 28, 2025, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The family kindly requests that any charitable donations made in remembrance of Dawson be directed to Tim or Christi Ritterbush to establish a college fund for Dawson’s daughter, Hazlea. The service will be livestreamed and recorded to Dawson’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Dawson was born in Torrington, Wyoming, to Jill (Ritterbush) and Patrick Reifschneider. He attended Mitchell Elementary and Mitchell Junior/Senior High School. Dawson received his HYSET from the WY Cowboy Challenge and dedicated six years of service as a corrections officer at WMCI.

He had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as fishing, hunting, sports, golfing, playing cards and spending quality time with friends. A memorable moment for Dawson was catching a record-breaking gizzard shad fish weighing 2.74 pounds in 2015. Dawson also had a knack for grilling and smoking various types of meats. Children held a special place in his heart which was fitting as he was a big kid himself. A couple of his favorite expressions were, “ight” and “whatever your heart desires”.

Dawson had a special relationship with his only daughter, Hazlea, and shared many lighthearted moments with her joking she was going to get “pow pows” or have to go to the “chokie”. His humor extended to his brother, Logan, who he lovingly called “Laaaaarry”. Dawson was very close with his mother, Jill, and made it a point to check in on her multiple times daily. The first words he would always greet her with were, “Good Morning, Jilligles”.

It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge Dawson's struggles with substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicidal ideation. Despite these challenges, he will be remembered as a warm, passionate big teddy bear.

He leaves behind his daughter, Hazlea Reifschneider; mother, Jill Ritterbush Reifschneider; father, Patrick (Stacie) Reifschneider; brothers, Nick Ritterbush, Brandon (Kristin) Ritterbush, Logan (Vanesa) Reifschneider, and Jackson (Kaitlin) Reifschneider; sister, Aspen (Brady) Wallace; grandparents, Gary and Barbara Ritterbush; great grandmother, Norma Scott; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Additionally, he will also be remembered by close family friends, the Juanita Taylor family, the Rob and JoAnn Golden family, and the Sonya Gilliland family, as well as best friends, Drake Gilliland, and Chloe McGlynn.

Dawson was preceded in death by his grandmother, Diana Hicks; grandfather, Robert Reifschneider; and great grandparents, Harry and Alma Ritterbush and Tom Scott.