Johnson, Mitchell Charles

Mitchell Charles Johnson, 32, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away at his home on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. A memorial service celebrating Mitch's life will be held at St. Jude's Catholic Church, at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Friends may call after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Born on April 5, 1981, in Cedar Rapids. to Dean and Jill (McEowen) Johnson, Mitch attended Wilson Middle School and was a 1999 graduate of Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids. He attended Ellsworth Community College, Ellsworth, Iowa, on an athletic scholarship. Throughout his academic career, Mitch excelled in football, track and field, participating in four Drake Relays, wrestling, all for which he received multiple letters, medals, awards and extensive media recognition for his athletic accomplishments.

Mitch succeeded at sales, including Holley's, Younkers and was most recently employed by Enlighten Technologies, Cedar Rapids, where he received top recognition for his efforts.

In addition to his parents, Dean and Jill, Mitchell is survived by his son, Crew; wife, Melody; stepson, Peyton; sister, Dena (Zach) McDowell and their children, Jack, Josie and Charlie, of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; brothers, Eric Johnson and Adam (Courtney) Johnson and their children Lance and Addison, all of Cedar Rapids; and grandparents, Shirley (Jim) Kane of Cedar Rapids, Carole Johnson of Chatfield, Minn. and Charles (Mary) McEowen of Cedar Rapids.

Also surviving are many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as a host of extended family and friends, including Crew's mother, Brandy, with whom Mitch maintained a very special relationship.

He was preceded in death by grandfather, Jerry Johnson.

Mitch possessed an amazing wit and sense of comedic timing and had a presence and energy that filled any room he entered. He loved to make people laugh and his vivacious personality sparkled through his blue eyes. Mitch will always be loved, remembered kindly and missed greatly by those that knew him at his brightest. Mitch gave a confidence that his potential for accomplishment in life was great. He was a good man who died before his time.

Memorials to the family are preferred.

Online condolences may be directed to .

Published in The Gazette Oct. 8, 2013.