//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
Robert Lee Mitchell (Bob), 73, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, with his family by his side. His death is the culmination of a 7-month struggle following a car accident on July 5, 2024.
Bob was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on July 7, 1951, to Don and Joanne Freeman Mitchell. He graduated from Gerstmeyer Technical High School in 1969 and from Indiana State University in 1974 with a B.S. degree in Recreational Therapy. On June 3, 1978, he married Beth Ryan. The following day, the newlyweds moved to Michigan where Bob would live the remainder of his days.
He worked as a recreational therapist for the State of Michigan his entire career, retiring in September of 2012. Bob was known for his great love of Indiana University basketball, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, music by Neil Diamond and chocolate!
Bob is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beth; their 4 children: Danielle (Karl) Morrison of Portage, Elizabeth (Marlon) Kirby of Augusta, Ryan (Kristen) Mitchell of Portage and Karen Mitchell of Battle Creek; grandchildren Allysa, Logan, Rory, Porter, Quinn, Wyatt, Cohen, Carter, Zelda, Freya and an unborn granddaughter due in July. He is also survived by his stepmother, Linda Mitchell, 2 sisters-in-law Cherye Mitchell and Diane Stephens, and brother-in-law Jeff Stephens, 3 nieces, 1 nephew, several great nieces and great nephews as well as several cousins and many, many friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don Mitchell Jr. and nephew Shaun Mitchell.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3000 West Main Street, Kalamazoo. A luncheon will follow the service. Friends may visit with the family on Friday evening, February 28, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the church's fellowship hall.
Everyone is encouraged to wear their IU gear – Bob would be so happy to see that! Memorial contributions in Bob's name can be made to Wings of Mercy, 100 South Pine Street, Suite 393, Zeeland, MI 49464.