John Mitchell

John James Mitchell, 69, died August 17, 2013, at Sanford Medical Center, Bismarck. He was known as “Johnny” to his friends and family his whole life. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church, Mandan, at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 29, 2013. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan, and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Born in Sturgis, SD, on November 25, 1943, he was the son of Harold A. and Jennie A. (Shove) Mitchell. A resident of Liberty Heights in Mandan, he grew up in Casper, WY. In 1954, he came with his family to the Bismarck-Mandan area, where he has lived ever since. He was employed for many years as a truck driver with Jim’s Ready Mix in Bismarck, and later worked for Johnson’s Wrecking Used Parts, Andy’s Towing, and Mandan Transfer. He retired several years ago. As a young boy, he attended the children’s school for burn victims at Lander, WY. Despite his unfortunate affliction, he always strove to be a productive member of society. Relatives and friends will long remember him for his dedication and enthusiasm. His favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting, and bowling. For decades, he was a member of the local bowling league, and played on the Johnson’s Wrecking Team at Ten Spot Bowling Lanes. He and his teammates won many bowling awards over the years. He is survived by two sisters, Ms. Goldie Bargmann of Bismarck and Ms. Carol Voigt of Graham, WA; two aunts, Mrs. Elsie (Mitchell) Villone of Spearfish, SD and Mrs. Julia (Shove) Rapp of Rapid City, SD; 17 nieces and nephews, 34 grand-nieces and nephews, and 22 great-grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ms. Rose Dahl, in 1999; a brother, Harold Jr., in 1977; a brother, Robert, in 2012; a nephew and a grand-nephew.