Michael L. Mitchell, Sr.

Mike Mitchell Sr., 57, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007 in Mt. Pleasant. Mike will be remembered for his courage, patience and good humor while fighting multiple sclerosis and a stroke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Donald Henkes, Mikes good friend and spiritual advisor, presiding. Family and friends may pay respects to Mike at the church from 11 a.m. until the Mass begins. In lieu of flowers, those desiring an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Sacred Heart Church or Hospice of Central Michigan. Envelopes are available at Lux Funeral Home. Mike was born February 9, 1949 in Mt. Pleasant, the son of the late Lucille (Rhode) and Lawrence Lonnie Mitchell. He graduated from Shepherd High School in 1967. Mike worked for the Oldsmobile dealership, in the oil business with his brother-in-law, James Parker, for Ace Hardware, and helped his family with Avon products in sales and distribution. Mike attended St. Vincent DePaul Church in Shepherd where he was once an altar server. Lucille, his mom, learned and enjoyed the Latin prayer responses of that era, right along with Mike. Later he became a member of Sacred Heart Parish while living in Mt. Pleasant. Mike was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed Country-Western music, movies, and traveling, especially on outings with his devoted, special friends, Margaret and Clair Lapham. Mike also enjoyed reading, T.V. sports, Bingo, and card games until his vision failed. This past year, his sister, Patty Parker has kept Mike happily posted on his God-daughter, Melissa, and Rex Wings children and their progress and antics. Mike is the great-uncle to Charley, Nick, Allyson, and the Wing quintuplets. Mike was very proud of his German and Irish heritage. He was delighted when friends were puzzled by his selected German phrases. A young Mike spent considerable time and family visits with his great-uncle, Irish Ed Carey. Thus, Mike would tell again and again the Irish tales and ghost stories which Papa Carey shared with Mike and his six siblings. Mike is survived by two daughters, and three sons; Heather (Steve) Benaske and family,Kristie Mitchell, Michael (Kathy) Mitchell, Jr., Marcus, Joseph (Regina) Mitchell, and their families. Survivors also include one sister, Patty (James) Parker and family; four brothers, Tom (Sharon) Mitchell and family, Bill Mitchell and his son, Phillip; Dan (Mashelle) Mitchell and family, and Steve Mitchell and family. Mike will be missed by grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tim Mitchell, and good friend, Pat Doyle. Mikes family and his extended family express profound gratitude to the many, many caregivers and everyone who so kindly helped Mike Mitchell in his many challenges.