In loving memory of

Tom Mitchell
April 29, 1957 - August 9, 2015

Thomas J. Mitchell, age 58, of Spirit Lake, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2015, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was born on April 29, 1957, in Brookings, South Dakota, to Donald and LaVonne Mitchell.
Tom served his country in the United States Air Force from 1976, until 1980. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family and friends. Tom can best be described as someone with a big heart and would help anyone.
Tom is survived by his two children, Andy Mitchell, and his wife, Brittany of Okoboji, and Hannah Mitchell of Milford; his mother, LaVonne Mitchell of Spirit Lake; brother, Tim Mitchell, and his wife, Joni of Spirit Lake; sister, Jill Mitchell, and her husband, Mike of Port Aransas, Texas; and three grandchildren, Destiny, Aiden and Mason. He was preceded in death by his father, Don Mitchell.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Thursday, August 13, 2015, at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Tom's name.

Tributes

Kent Tritle wrote on Oct 2, 2015:

"I was schocked to learn that Tom died. Although I hadn't really seen him since high school, he was the epitomy of a nice guy and I remember him that way still. His dad Don was a really wonderful teacher, whom I considered King of the old SL Jr High building. In my mind they are together now, and having a great time. My condolences to Jill and Lavonne and the entire family. Kent"

Steve Klein wrote on Aug 13, 2015:

"Mitch, you will be missed. Without you, growing up wouldn't have been the same. We had many adventures and shenanigans that will be forever etched in my memory. We played basketball, ran track and kept coaches and teachers on their toes. I remember the time your old blue station wagon ran out of gas by the Snow White. Three of us pushed the wagon all the way back to the high school so we wouldn't miss the next class... since we had skipped study hall. We almost didn't make it cause we were laughing so hard. One story of a book full of adventures. Lavonne, Tim and Jill I enjoyed hanging out at your house. Always welcomed and a bee hive of activity. Did Mitch EVER go to bed and sleep? He had one gear, GO! My thoughts are with all of you, Steve Klein"

Robyn Kisling wrote on Aug 13, 2015:

"Dear Mitchell Family, So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Wouldn't sit still for a minute. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Robyn Kisling Cedar Rapids, Iowa"

Shari Perley-Tramp & Ethan wrote on Aug 13, 2015:

"Rest in Peace my dear friend Tom. Although I really got to know Tom only a few years ago, we had some of the best times and I will cherish them always. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the entire Mitchell family during this difficult time."

Paul bakke wrote on Aug 13, 2015:

"What a true friend Mitch was. Always n good mood n would make u smile when you weren't when I lived in Texas. He come to my moms n ask if she needed any help or would like to have a drink and play pull tabs. He came over and cleaned our gutters out wk before he passed. We talked n joked reminced for an hr. I ll never forget you Mitch RIP. But know u can't Pablo. "

Sal haas wrote on Aug 12, 2015:

"What a great neighbor and friend for 35+ years. Prayers and love to all of you."

Luann Mehan wrote on Aug 12, 2015:

"My sympathy to the Mitchell family! Thinking of you Jill and Lavonne! Praying for you and all of your family"

gus gulbranson wrote on Aug 12, 2015:

"tom was fun and fun- I blew up the grill - a situation- really nice guy"

Steve and Julie Ingvall & Family wrote on Aug 12, 2015:

"Mitchell family, So very sorry for your loss. Tom was such a sweet guy. Someone we always looked forward to seeing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."

Debbie Godbold wrote on Aug 12, 2015:

"I knew Tom from school, he was always a happy go lucky kind of person. I'm so sorry for your loss."

Marsha (Olson) Smeltzer wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"In elementary school, Tom was that guy that had every cell on his body running on full throttle every minute, and it never slowed through our entire school career. When we got reconnected over a year ago, that same full throttle brought a smile to my face. When he contacted me on the day of our class reunion to say that he wasn't feeling well and that he wouldn't be coming, I had no idea that would be our last words. To the Mitchell family, he was one of a kind and he will be missed by myself and the rest of SLHS '75. He brought smiles to our classroom days as we know he has brought to your days as family members. May memories of his smile, quick retorts and vivacious attitude carry you in the coming days."

Dayle Broocks wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"To Tom's family, I was very sad to hear of Tom's passing.He was a great guy and always good to see him. Dayle Broocks "

Todd wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"Tom and I shared a lot of laughs and memories! I prayers to his family and I will always remember the good times with tom! RIP"

Paula Krogman Tietz wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"I first met Tom when he worked at the Post Office. He just made you laugh even when you were having a bad day. My sympathy and prayers go out to Toms family."

Susan Parriott Spalding wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"My deepest sympathy to the entire Mitchell family. Tom made my day my freshman year of college frequently. Packages and letters would arrive with a note on the outside or a smiley face. It was fun to search for them. I didn't know Tom well but it was always special and nice to have someone else at home thinking of those of us at college. "

Scott & Mary Chambers wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mitchell families at this difficult time. Hugs"

Annie Woods wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mitchell family-Tom's smile & sense of humor will be greatly missed by all that knew him."

Bev Sauer Wittler wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"To all of Tom's family. So sorry for your loss. Hadn't seen Tom in years, but he was always a nice fella."

Matt, Jodi & Tegan Lange wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"Our sympathy goes out to Tom's family. We will always remember him from our Dry Dock days! You will be missed! "

Al & Anita Fischer wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"Our deepest sympathy to all of the family and especially to Andy... Tom will not be forgotten."

Brian and Carol Woods wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"We hope the peace of God would be deep rooted in you at this time of sorrow, I always got a hey Woody out of Tom when I saw him and remember how he treated me kindly even as an upper classman in High School, Jill and Mitchell family we will keep you in our prayers and God Bless."

Bruce Klenken wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"My sympathy to the Mitchell family. Lots of good memories of Tom and his family. God Bless"

Dean and Judy Sitzmann wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"Lavonne, Jill and Tim, we are so sorry for your loss. We shared a lot of fun times and good laughs with Tom over the years. He will certainly be missed by many, especially that crazy "what am I up to" smile."

Tom Vint wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"Tom was a classmate of mine and I will always remember his energy and enthusiasm as a teammate in various sports. My thoughts and prayers are with the Mitchell family during this difficult time. "

MIke Vint wrote on Aug 11, 2015:

"Have many great memories of Tom and his family. Played sports with the the boys growing up and their dad was a great mentor for me. My sympathy and condolences to the family."

Cindy Gibson wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"Lavonne, Tim & Joni, Jill & Mike, you have my deepest sympathy. Tom was a pleasure to have as a friend & classmate. Thinking of you all. Let the good memories help through this difficult time. "

Carla Bjork wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"Tom was a knight in shining armor when I desperately needed one. Thank you my friend and find rest in God's arms"

Peggy Rick wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"So sorry to read this news about Tom's passing. Thoughts to LaVonne, Tim, and Jill. "

Sally Christensen DeLoss wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"Tom was a character. He was sure to make you laugh. There is no one else like him. He will be missed. Hugs to the Mitchell family. Take care."

Laurie Russell Huseman wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"Tom was delightful.....not an adjective that can be used for many people....! He will truly be missed...."

Penny Bossow wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"This is a tribute to Tom from Penny Bossow Tom was a friend of mine he liked making I and Shari laugh when we were out in the bars. Tom loved listening to music and even danced some. Tom would meet Shari and I at the Green Space in Arnold's Park we all had a lot of fun listening to the music and dancing around he was a lot of fun to hang out with. God Bless Tom and his family. "

Roxane Slifer wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"My condolences to his mom and brother....He was one crazy guy, the only one to still call me "Foxy Roxy". I will miss your smiling face. RIP Tom"

Linda L Butcher-Christoffer wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"Keeping Tom and all of his family in our thoughts and prayers....rest in peace... Jeff and Linda Christoffer"

Rhonda and David Nelson wrote on Aug 10, 2015:

"Long time friends, neighbors, and friend of Toms family. Always fun always enjoying life. We will miss you Tom. Prayer to his family and those he leaves behind. "