Michael Mitchell

Michael Mitchell, 62, of Arvada, passed away Wednesday, March 4, at his home. With his loving wife Lois and son Clint, at his side, Michael, born March 26, 1946, in Galesburg, Illinois, left a legacy of love and friendship. He married the former Lois Bunt in 1984 and the two shared a wonderful life, which brought them the son Clint. He is also survived by his daughter Julie Garrison of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army as a medic in Vietnam where he earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Medic Badge. Courage comes to those who need it and throughout his life no man made a better friend than Michael Mitchell. After returning from military service Michael worked as a member of Operating Engineer’s Local 649 in Peoria, Illinois. After establishing his home in Colorado he worked as a surveyor on the pedestrian mall in downtown Denver, the Eisenhower Tunnel and many more large-scale construction projects. He later worked for the Jefferson County Assessor’s office. In his later years, Michael operated a successful property inspection company. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on 3/11/2009, at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church 7400 W. 80th Ave. Arvada, Co. 80003 followed by Military Services @ Fort Logan National Cemetery 4400 Kenyon Ave. Reception will follow at Spirit of Christ and all are invited. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Michael J.Mitchell as a tribute contributions to Denver Rescue Mission call 303-313-2443 or mail to Denver Rescue Mission at 1130 Park Ave. W, Denver, CO or mail to the Exempla Lutheran Collier Hospice Center at 3210 Lutheran Pakway WheatRidge, CO 80033 or call 303-403-7200. The Mitchell family sends condolences and sympathy to Lois and Clint Mitchell, family and friends. We all loved Mike and knew him as a courageous, determined and loving husband and father. Mike is survived by four Brothers and five Sisters. His Mother, Marguerite Mitchell was born July 12, 1900, in Avon, Illinois to John and Laura Crozier Fitzsimmons, she married Mr. Julian Arthur Mitchell on May 6, 1920 in Saint Augustine, IL. Mrs. Mitchell died on the 27th of February, 1983. His Father Julian Arthur Mitchell was born July 20, 1891, in Avon, IL to Douglas and Mary Smith Mitchell and passed away on March 7, l983. Mikes family members are: Kathleen Francis Searles resides in Anaheim, CA. Julian Marshall Mitchell and his wife Gracie live in North Haven, CT. Eloise and her husband Ken Fransen live in Orion, IL. William Edward Mitchell and his wife Phyllis have a residence in Galesburg, IL. Mary Patricia Koons lives in Oceanside, CA. Robert Eugene Mitchell has a home in Long Beach, CA. Theresa Rose Mitchell lives in Galesburg, IL. Carol Jane and her husband Chuck Ritter reside in Peking, IL. John Douglas Mitchell and his wife Janet live in Galesburg, IL. A Sister, Joyce Elizabeth Mitchell preceded Mike in death. She was born on July 26, 1941 and passed away on April 5, 1942. We extend our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss, but feel comfort knowing that Mike is with God and family members that preceded him in death. Michael Mitchell The measure of a man lies in the size of his smile Mention Michael Mitchell And laughter lunges across the face of all who know him Not knew him Know him For the measure of a man lies in the memories of family and friends Of madness and more Michael Mitchell knew well the love of his life Lois his wife Michael Mitchell knew well the love of being a dad Twice he produced the pleasure that defined his life Clint and Julie stand as monuments to a man Not a perfect man A perfect person For Michael Mitchell knew well the measure of a man lies in left behind And Michael the man forever stood stout in the face of danger For he knew well the strong serve as the soft While some could kill Michael Mitchell could help and heal And never lose the love of life The laugh of love For Michael Mitchell knew well the measure of a man lies in the simple pleasure of people Many will mourn But for those who loved him He lives on in our lives and our laughter Michael, thanks for taking the time to teach me too many things to mention And the one lesson I learned that matters most Never be afraid to tell those you hold close I LOVE YOU. Thank you all for sharing in Michael’s love, Lois, Clint, Julie, Shayna