Service Details
The celebration of his life will be held in the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St. Racine, WI 53405, on Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be in the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to Habitat for Humanity or Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.
Michael Mitchell, formerly of Racine, passed away December 23, 2025, in St. Louis, MO. He was life partner to Carol Thomson of Racine. He will be missed by his Wisconsin Family, Carol, Daniel (Robin) Gavigan, Katie (Jeff) Oldenburg, David Gavigan, and grandchildren, Mack(Kaylee), Meghan, Tommy, Jessica, Connor, and Allie. He is also survived by son, Eric, brothers, William (Pam) and Peter (Mich), and other members of the Mitchell Family.
He was born January 18, 1941, in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from Woodruff H.S. and attended Bradley University. He was in sales and marketing with the Olympus Corporation for 22 years, retiring in 1999.
Upon moving to Wisconsin in the 1980’s, he took up skiing and was a member of the Vagabond Ski and Social Club and Wapatollis. He led many Western and European ski trips and joined the Ski Patrol at Cascade Mountain. As a Friday patroller, he organized an annual photo with costumes, and made the patrol room a lively place.
He volunteered at Columbia St. Mary’s, Racine’s MyRyde, Habitat for Humanity, and their Restores in Milwaukee, Racine, and Franklin. Mike and Carol enjoyed fourteen years together. They hosted family, friends and neighbors in their home on Wexford Road. Ski trips with the Vagabonds, trips to Hawaii, Europe, and fishing in Canada added to their busy life. However, with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease life slowed down and became more difficult for him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Leah(Stein) Mitchell, brother, Daniel, daughter, Michelle and sister-in-law, Nancy Thomson.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.
Cheryl Miller says
I’m happy you had 14 years with this kind, interesting man. I remember hearing about him early on in my volunteer position in your school library and couldn’t believe you two could love snow and skiing so much. I’m a warm weather person! You had so many wonderful memories made together …..even beyond the ski slopes! He was a treasure, and I believe you were best gifts to one another.
Brother Peter Mitchell says
Big brother Mike, one of the most caring men I have ever met. I think back how he would care for our parents frequently driving from St. Louis or the Chicago area always there when needed. He would talk to anyone which is who we are as Mitchells. A well rounded man who could fix about anything including his passion for the British old cars, We shared this, he helped me buy a 1950s Morris Minor convertible possibly the slowest car on earth. Don’t get me started on his fishing skills! We would be in the same boat with brothers Bill, Dan and myself Peter. Mike would be landing his catch the rest of us ????
Goodbye big brother.
Aniah Cunningham-Golden says
Since i was 2 years old Carol took me in as one of her own, i have been around for longer then I can even remember, they have built memories and a bond with me that really mended my heart into something different, Opened my mind to things i didnt know i would like and will like to teach my children, my grandfather took me fishing but Mike taught me things i would never have known, i love the gratitude and love they have shown me over almost 2 decades of years in age, i will miss mike dearly, and i thank you guys for everything.