Jack M. Mitchell

PORTAGE  --  Death is more universal than life. Everyone dies, but not everybody has truly lived. After a full, treasured and loving life, Jack M. Mitchell, age 83, of Portage, died on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at his home in Portage, surrounded by family.

Jack was born on January 10, 1931, in Big Spring, New Haven Township, the son of Joseph and Clara (Vanderbilt) Mitchell. He married Patricia Slowey on October 6, 1956.      

Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Mitchell, of Portage; his daughter Jan Chandler of Canal Winchester, OH, his sons Jay Mitchell [Connie Trantow]of Madison, Joel Mitchell of Miami Beach, and grandchildren Jaclyn [Jay] Schnittger, Jake Trantow, Jack Mitchell, Jayna Chandler and Cole Mitchell; and sisters- and brothers-in-laws Jean Wasson, Nancy [Jim] Hathaway, Penny Hanson, Sue Miller, Kathy [Gary] Jepsen, Sparkie Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gordon, Bernard, Russell and Freeman; sisters Beverly [Les] Wipperman, Lola [Bill] Burns, Shirley, June and twin sister Jean Mitchell; father- and mother-in-law Harold and Mary Slowey; brothers-in-law Brian Hanson and John Wasson.

An incredibly humble and kind man, Jack was a devoted husband and father. Family was his sanctuary. In addition, he forged an enduring connection to the outdoors, and thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating throughout his long life. Jack served stateside in the U.S. Airforce during the Korean war. As a career, Jack drove truck for Neuendorf and ANR Trucking. For 20 years, he was a volunteer Portage firefighter. He was also member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding.  Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.