John Mitchell

JOHN DAVID MITCHELL

Atkins

John David Mitchell, 83, formerly of Atkins, died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, at Mercy Hallmar Care Center in Cedar Rapids following a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Pastor Douglas Woltemath officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow at the Fairfax Cemetery with graveside military rites.

John was born March 12, 1934, in Atkins, to Andrew and Pearl (Abrahamson) Mitchell. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the Navy, where he spent two years on the USS Vesuvius. When he returned home, he worked on and then purchased the family farm, where he lived and farmed for many years. On July 11, 1964, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Christy. They would have celebrated 53 years of marriage this year.

John was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he was active in many groups. He also participated in a monthly card club with a special group of friends for over 40 years. He was an avid Hawkeye and Jeff Gordon fan and cherished his three cats.

John is survived by his three children, Jeffery Mitchell of Atkins, James (May) Mitchell of Waddell, Ariz.; and Janell (Jason) Kraus of Nashua; four grandchildren, Alexandra (Richard) Lewis, Haleigh Mitchell, Jadyn Mitchell and Kaila Mitchell; and one great-grandchild, Richard Allen Lewis III. Also surviving is a brother, Larry Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean; his siblings, Irene, Richard, Dale, Alvin, Paul and Alice; and one niece, Pam Wachal.

Memorials in John's name may be made to St. John Lutheran Church.