Our Condolences to Leonard Mitchell and his family on the passing of his father last week.
Leonard Dale Mitchell of Rio, IL passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital in Galesburg on Sunday morning. He was 93 years old.
Leonard was born to Archie and Meriby Mitchell in Humeston, IA on April 26, 1925. On February 10, 1945 he married Thelma Jewell Bardwell. To that union four children were born: Eva S. (James) Ramsay of Baton Rouge, LA; Carolyn K. ( Ted ) Kowalewycz of St. Joseph, MO; Francis D. Mitchell (deceased) and Leonard N. Mitchell of Woodstock, IL. Thelma preceded him in death on May 14, 1978. On October 20, 1988 he married Betty Norris. They were together until her death on November 7, 1998.
Leonard graduated as class valedictorian from Humeston High School in 1942. He was a World War 2 Pacific veteran having served on Guam and in the Philippines. After the war he farmed and worked for Michigan Wisconsin Pipeline Company, later ANR Pipeline Company retiring in 1988.
In retirement he enjoyed travel, his love for and interest in rural America, along with his friends and family. Additionally, he was a volunteer for many years in the dialysis unit at Cottage Hospital becoming friends with many of the patients there.
In addition to his children he is survived by grandchildren Lisa D. Ramsay, Matthew J. Ramsay, Mallary D. Hann, great-granddaughter Romey K. Hann and his brother Robert (Jeanette) Mitchell. He was preceded in death by brothers Loren (Garnet) and Kenneth (Joyce) Mitchell.
