Racine – Michael Richard Mitchell Sr., age 69, departed this life on Friday, November 21, 2014. Michael was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 20, 1945 to Clarence Burnett and Loretta Mitchell. He attended the Kalamazoo Public Schools, and later joined the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge. Michael worked at Johnson's Wax, and then at American Motors as a welder.  He retired from Chrysler Corporation in 2003 with 30 years of service.

Michael was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting, fishing and spent many summers camping on the Mississippi River in northern Wisconsin. He also enjoyed boating and water skiing with his brothers, family and friends in Lake Michigan and other waterways. He spent many hours with his grandchildren Jordan and Jayla who loved him dearly. A favorite poem of Michael's was: "Make new friends, but keep the old; some are silver and others are gold."

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Janet (nee: Cobb) Mitchell; his three sons, Michael Richard Mitchell Jr. of Los Angeles, California, Corey Jennings of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Kevin Jennings of Toledo, Ohio; and his daughter, Lisa (Lamont) Marshall of Racine; and by five grandchildren. He is further survived his brothers and sisters, Nicholas (Laurie) Mitchell, and Constance (Dee) Roberson both of Kalamazoo, Michigan, William Jackson-Burnett of Milwaukee, Rosalie (David) Kirk of Racine, Linda (Gregg) Coleman, and Celia Smith both of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Debora (Frank) Smith of Toledo, Ohio; a special aunt, Juliette Cobb; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many other relatives and friends. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Shirley Wade and Wilhelmina Hayes.

Memorial services for Michael will be held in the funeral home at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2014 with Pastor James F. Ford II officiating. Public visitation will begin at 4 p.m. "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donating to the American Cancer Society, or the Julian Thomas Elementary School.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice for their service and support.