Daniel Mitchell

The need for nature and the solitude found there ran thick in the veins of Dan Mitchell. Dan couldn't wait to leave work and get back to his home resting peacefully on his sixty acre farm. The sounds, sights and fresh air of being in the great outdoors made him feel complete.

World War II had ended in 1945 and couples were being reunited, which led to the rapid growth of many families. The Mitchell family was no exception. Dan was the fourth of six children born to Delmer and Mildred (Arkwright) Mitchell on December 14, 1953. He was happy to be a part of the Mitchell family that resided comfortably in Plainwell, Michigan. As a child, Dan could be described as a "Fearless Stinker" because he wouldn't hesitate to make risky choices. While growing up, Dan was a member of the Cub Scouts. Just like his father, Dan quickly developed a deep love for nature that remained with him throughout life. Because of his size, Dan played center for his high school football team.

He graduated from Plainwell high school in 1972 and over the years he found himself working at Parker-Hannifin, Woodworks Specialty and The Flashes. He was married to Vicki Stafford and later to Paula Doublestein. Although the marriages did not last, Dan was lucky to be a father to four wonderful children, Travis, Levi, Kodi and Kati. His children meant the world to him. He shared his love of nature with them and taught them how to hunt and fish, and appreciate being outdoors. Holidays with the kids was something Dan couldn't wait for, especially watching the fireworks together on the Fourth of July and being together on Christmas. When Halloween came around he strongly encouraged the kids to get as much candy as they could so he could do some heavy sampling. Overall, Dan was an understanding parent willing to give his children sound advice when they asked. He also taught them to have a responsible attitude and good work ethic.

Dan's sixty acre farm had a variety of animals like dogs, goats, turkeys, chickens and pigs, all of which he took great care of. He loved the animals and they all became an important part of his life. He was also a skilled woodworker and while puttering around in the garage he created bird and bat houses to put around his property to protect nature. He regularly fed the local birds. Hunting and fishing were hobbies of Dan's that he would look forward to with great anticipation. He had a real passion for ice fishing and his favorite spots to go were Emerson Lake, Horseshoe Lake and Hodge Lake. His preferences for hunting were for deer and turkey and he had a very impressive turkey call that he was pretty proud of. Besides his hunting and fishing, he also tended to his garden. Once his garden produced a great share of vegetables, Dan always took the time to can and freeze them so they could last through to the next harvest. He needed those veggies because he was a great cook, especially with breakfast. He made the best hash browns, bacon, sausage and omelets.

If you were lucky enough to be Dan's friend then you would already know how faithful he was. He was there to help when things needed to be done and anything you needed he would do his best to help you out. He was helpful to people he knew and in return, when his health was declining there were people in his life to be beside him. Dan struggled with his health for the past few years and it eventually caused him to have to stop working. His heart was not doing well and then he was stricken by esophageal cancer. He had been in Bronson Hospital for the past week which caused him to have to miss his sister Janice's funeral. That was extremely painful for him to endure. He was grateful though, for nurse Amy Schense who tenderly cared for him during his final days at Bronson. Amazingly, even though times were tough, Dan's wonderful sense of humor shined through.

Through life's ups and downs, Dan knew how to have a good attitude and have a good time. He never took for granted how lucky he was to have a family and he cherished his time spent with his kids and four grandchildren. He also took time to take in the miracle of nature which many pass by with out noticing. He knew what was important in life and he instilled those values in his loved ones. Dan Mitchell was a great father and dependable friend who will be deeply missed.

Dan Mitchell, age 52 of Allegan died at Bronson Hospital on Sunday, August 6, 2006. Learn more about Dan and celebrate his Life that he shared with others at 11 am on Friday, August 11, at the Gun River Conservation Club 689 11th Street, Plainwell. A reception with food and fellowship will be held at the same location, immediately following the services. Because Trowbridge Cemetery is located near Dan's farm and Hodge Lake where he often fished, his cremated remains will be buried there.

Members of Dan's family include his 4 children: Travis Mitchell and his fiancé Katie of Grand Junction, Levi and his wife Tasha Mitchell of Allegan, Kodi Mitchell and his girlfriend Rashell of Allegan and Kati Mitchell of Otsego, his mother Mildred Mitchell of Plainwell, 2 brothers: Dave and his wife Karla Mitchell of Plainwell, Tim and his wife Jennifer Mitchell of Otsego, 4 grandchildren: Destinie, Jenna, Oakley and Madison. He follows in death his father Delmer and sisters Laurie, Becky and Janice. Please visit Dan's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory or sign the online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mitchell family.