Joe Mitchell

Joe D. Mitchell, aka ""Big Pappy J, A$$ Kicker, Name Taker"" passed to a better world on April 15, 2013 at his residence surrounded by the love of his family.  He entered the world on January 2, 1948 in Luzerne, Mi, the youngest of 4 boys born to Everett W. ""Pick"" and Lois J. (Buchanan) Mitchell.  He attended school in Mio, and served in the Army in VietNam.

He married his spouse Kathi (Gordert) on January 24, 1970 at St. Mary's in Mio.  He was always proud to say he was the father of five hard working productive kids:  Nikole Mitchell- Fisher (Bo); Ginnie Mitchell-Koslowski (Daniel); Natika Mitchell-Cowie (Steve); Jessika Mitchell (Jason Major) and Klint Mitchell (Lindsey Ward).  They also have 5 grandchildren:  Chaz and Teegan Cowie; Paige and Zane Wuelfing; and Aubrey Crawford.

Joe retired from Consumers Energy in 2010 where he worked for 40 years as a Master Mechanic.  Also a lifelong appreciation for firearms led him to become an accomplished gunsmith. With a wrench and a roll of duct tape in his hand he could do just about anything. He was a member of American Legion Post #162 and a Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.  He loved to spend time with his family, and bear hunting was a passion.  Anyone who ever present a gathering where Joe was in attendance can attest to his ability to dance a ""polka"", make people laugh and have a good time.  So many friends, and members of his family, both immediate and extended, have a place in their heart and memory that he will always occupy and are so glad that Joe LIVED.  He will be missed greatly and remembered with a smile.

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren and his brother Ronald (Candy) Mitchell, many nieces and nephews and close cousins (especially the Craig Mitchell family).  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, in-laws Francis Gordert, Linda Gordert, Marie Stark, and brothers, Chuck and Gary Mitchell and nephew Jay Mitchell.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.  A funeral prayer service will be held a St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mio, Mi on April 27th at 11:00 AM, followed by interment at the Luzerne Cemetery, with military honors offered by The Luzerne American Legion Post #162..  A celebration of Joe's life and dinner will follow at 1:00 PM at the Luzerne Northwoods Club on Co Rd 489.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's memory to:

Wounded Warriors Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or

Northeast Michgan Safari Club International (NEMISCI) 486 S. Ripley Blvd, PMB #118, Alpena, Mi  49707 (provider of Wayne Lee Memorial Safari Wish Hunts for children who are terminally ill or disabled.)

Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.