Russell Mitchell

The greatest day of Russell W. Mitchell’s life was the day he married his one true love, because that was when his life really started. Every day he tried to be the best husband, father and grandfather he could, and was rewarded with a life of happiness for his efforts. 1944 was a historically important year for people in the United States and abroad. As Franklin Roosevelt began his second term of presidency, the Battle of the Bulge began as Germans penetrated the Allied front in Belgium. While the war continued to be waged abroad, for Robert William Mitchell and Eva Bell Carpenter of Kalamazoo, Michigan, life was much simpler. On July 13, 1944, the couple welcomed their third son, Russell William, who was born in their home on Krom Street that already included two sons, Hubert and Earl. It was not long before their fourth son, Fred, would complete the family.

Russell’s childhood took place mostly within the comforts of the idyllic 1950s and was pretty normal in most aspects. He and his brothers were very close, though this was not surprising considering they spent the majority of their time together undoubtedly getting into the usual boyhood mischief in their neighborhood on the north end of Kalamazoo. These included shooting pigeons with sling shots, riding bikes, train hopping, swimming at the local ponds and jumping from roof to roof. When he was 12, his family moved to Denway Street on the south side of Kalamazoo. Russell attended the area schools and was a typical teenager. It was right in the middle of the 50s and pop music was a big thing. Russell loved the rock and roll music and later in life, he was still listening to those golden oldies. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1962 where he participated in wrestling.

As fate would have it, after moving to the southside, Russell met a young girl named Linda Mikle who lived on Parker Street. Although he was only 14 when they first met, their young puppy love eventually blossomed into true love. Russell, 18, had already graduated and Linda, 16, was still in school, but they knew they were destined to be together and married on a chilly January 4, 1963, while Linda was on winter break. The happy couple spent the next forty-one years together, raising three wonderful children and sharing many precious events.

Russell worked hard to support his wife and children. At first, he worked a variety of jobs just to make ends meet, but eventually got a more stable job with Upjohn in 1967, where he remained a devoted employee until his retirement in 1999. Because of Russell’s hard work, the family never went without having their needs met.

Although a city boy for most of his life, Russell loved the great outdoors and decided to move his family to a small six acre farm in Schoolcraft in 1974, just days before his son Russell was born. Here his children had plenty of open space to run around and be adventurous, while Russell took on the task of learning to care for horses, cows and goats. His kids enjoyed all the “fun” amenities of farm life with mini bikes and tractor and hay rides. Russell loved being a father and would do anything for his children. He supported them in their 4-H activities and coached softball and baseball. He took his son hunting and fishing and later enjoyed the same with his grandchildren. Russell’s good spirit and smiling face (and don’t forget the baseball cap) served as testimony to the fact that he enjoyed every moment of his life.

As was apparent from his pleasant demeanor, Russell enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved to hunt and fish but especially found great peace in the outdoors. Some of his other hobbies included bowling, golfing, softball and playing cards with friends and family. Of all the wonderful things in Russell’s life, spending time with his family towered above the rest. His grandchildren were the apples of his eye and he loved to spoil them. He was known to always have candy (Twix was his favorite) in his coat pockets for the grandchildren and it was a special time when Grandpa took them bullheading. Just as with his kids, Russell gave his grandchildren his unconditional love and support.

A tinkerer by nature, Russell loved working on things and could fix just about anything. This was especially true with a 57 Chevy he bought, restored and sold. Only to buy a 55 Chevy, which he loved to drive in local parades throwing candy out to the crowds. His grandkids thought this was a grand time! His generous nature reached beyond his immediate family, as he was always more than willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Just before retirement, he and Linda fulfilled a longtime dream they had by building a home on 30 acres in Vicksburg. This property maintained abundant woods and ponds where Russell could wander for hours enjoying the peaceful setting. Throughout his life, Russell considered his family to be his greatest gift and blessing.

Russell W. Mitchell died at his home on Tuesday, August 17, 2004, after a short, but valiant battle with cancer. Members of Russell’s family include his wife, Linda Mitchell; his children: Dawn and her husband Bob Millward of Scotts, Laura and her husband Al Becklar of Portage and Russ and his wife Jill of Portage. Other members include 9 grandchildren: Tyler, Ryan, Kyle, Alisa, Kelly, Jonathan, Hannah, Mary, Emily; and 3 brothers: Hubert and his wife Brenda of Vicksburg, Earl and his wife Jan of Chicago and Fred of Mendon.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, at the ™ - Rupert, Durham Marshall & Gren Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. The family has asked for friends to bring a perennial flower or a plant for a “living memorial” in honor of Russ. Please visit his memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial donation to the Hospice Care of SW Michigan or the American Cancer Society.

Although he will be deeply missed, Russell’s legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with cherished memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.