Gene R. Mitchell

October 27, 1928 ~ November 24, 2022 (age 94)

Gene Raymond Mitchell, 84 years, passed away on November 24, 2022, in his home Grand Rapids, MI. He was born in Kansas City, KS, the third child of Otto and Ruby Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Delbert, and two beloved wives, Wilma Sage and Lynn Young, and by a long-term friend, Nel Kastner.

He is survived by his brother, Richard (Juanita); and his children, Tim (Juana) Mitchell, Paul (Kimberlee) Mitchell and Deanna (Gary Rich) Mitchell; as well as grandchildren, Kelsey (Josh) Cousar, Errin Mitchell, Shelby Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Tyler (Courtney) Mitchell, Maria (Austin) Voydanoff, Lindsay Rich (Mike Andrews); and great-grandchildren, Caroline and Poppy Cousar. He also loved Lynn’s children and grandchildren.

Gene worked as an engineer, a restaurant owner, and an electrical journeyman. He was a devoted, steady, loving husband, father, and grandpa. He cared for two wives through prolonged battles with cancer. He could be counted on in every phase of life and made sacrifices for others.

He grew up and lived in Kansas, and he retired in Michigan. He was our best soccer fan and could fix anything. He had a funny colloquialism for every situation. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, University of Kansas basketball, and KC Chiefs. A visitation was held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, November 30 from 5:00-8:00 PM.

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Pleasanton Cemetery. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Pleasanton Community Center. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital/We Do Care patient assistance fund (care of HDVCH Foundation, MC 004, 100 Michigan NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503).

(Published in the Linn County Journal of May 22, 2023.)