 Robert L. “Mitch” Mitchell, 81, of Brownsville, Minn., died on March 26, 2008, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
He was born on Nov. 19, 1926, in La Crosse, to Herman J. and Annette L.
(Lee) Mitchell. He married Doris M. Heiller on Nov. 14, 1953, in
Brownsville.
Mitch enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and received his training as an
Electrician’s Mate at Purdue University. He served as EM 3rd Class on
the destroyer, USS South Dakota (Japan, 1945) and the aircraft carrier,
USS Hancock, (China Sea of Japan). He was also aboard the USS South
Dakota when Japan surrendered on the nearby USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Mitch later served in the Korean War aboard the USS Siboney until his
discharge in 1952.
Mitch worked for the Burlington Railroad for 43 years. He was an active
member of V.F.W. Post 6801 of Brownsville, Gittens-Leidel American
Legion Post 595 of La Crescent, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie
1254 of La Crosse. He was a lifetime member of the NRA as well as a
member of Ducks Unlimited, the Midwest Banjo Club, and FIGA (Fretted
Instrument Guild of America).
Mitch was a self-taught master of the American Banjo, playing across
the country at various locations. He also performed with the
Oktoberfest Singers, the Jolly Swiss Boys band, the Jerry Gilbertson
band and other groups, and inspired others to pursue the craft. He was
a history buff, capable of retaining intricate details of the Civil
War, World Wars I and II and ancient history. He was also a firearm
aficionado who could identify and repair many makes and models of the
guns of America and other countries. Many would consult him regarding
various firearms.
Mitch was preceded in death by his brother, Howard; and sisters, Kathleen Fields, Joanne Perez, and Leanne Tredway.
He is survived by his wife and sons: Jeff (Sandy), Iola, Wis.; Vance
(Julie), Brownsville; and Bret, Brownsville; four grandchildren; one
great-granddaughter; his brother, William; and sister, Mary Amundson;
and his lifelong friend, Wally Johnson.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Mar. 30, at 1 p.m., at the
Brownsville Community Center with Pastor Brian Cuda officiating.
Military honors will be provided by V.F.W. Post 6801 and American
Legion Post 595. Friends may call at the center from noon until the
time of service. Following the service, refreshments will be served,
and family and friends are invited to stay and share remembrances of
Mitch.
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