Kenneth Robert Mitchell

Kenneth R. Mitchell, 79, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph with his loving family at his side. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, September 16, 2007 at Friends in Faith Community Church, 6550 Keigley St., Eau Claire with Rev. Kevin Parkins officiating. Memorials may be made to the Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Mitchell was born January 18, 1928 in Niles, Michigan to Gerald & Ethel (Shrader) Mitchell. He served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, then returned home to graduate from Buchanan High School in 1947, and attend Pine Lake Vocational School in Allegan. On March 11, 1950, Ken married the former Barbara Brant in Sodus. He was employed by Heier Office Machines, Schultz Industrial Supply, Doubleday Brothers, and Ollie’s Out Houses. Ken was a member of Friends in Faith Community Church, and a life member of VFW Post 1137. He was an avid fisherman & golfer, and enjoyed collecting ducks & coins. Mr. Mitchell is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years Barbara; two sons-Gerald (Diana) Mitchell, Charles (Kathy) Mitchell; two daughters-Susan Catania, Sandra (Brad) Parkins; eight grandchildren-Shaya (Scott) Sherwood, Zackary (Kari) Mitchell, Amber (Todd) Bowen, Amanda (Bryan) Sidberry, Anthony & Morgan Catania, Mitchell & Conner Parkins; seven great-grandsons; two brothers-Danny (Jackie) Mitchell, Kit (Erin) Mitchell; sister-in-law Rachel Mitchell, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Del & Dee Schlipp; and numerous nieces & nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and by a granddaughter Lauren Ashley Catania in 1987.