Joseph William Mitchell

Joseph William Mitchell of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the University of Michigan Hospital with his loving wife, Peg, by his side. He was 83 years old. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at First United Methodist Church where Joseph Mitchell was a lifelong member, as were his parents. It is located at 3003 Leco Ct., St. Joseph. Reverend Wade Panse will officiate. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Calling hours are 5 to 9 P.M. on Monday, October 11th at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to the Firefighters Fund, 920 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI 49085 or to the First United Methodist Church. Those wishing to sign Joseph's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joe, as he was called by family and friends, was born April 18, 1927 in St. Joseph to W. Hudson & Letty (Evans) Mitchell. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1945 and proudly served in the Navy during WWII in the South Pacific. His father was once Fire Chief of the St. Joseph Fire Department and Joe, following in his father's footsteps, was immensely proud of his own many years of service to the Department where he held the rank of Captain. He served on the Board of Directors of the Silver Beach Carousel Society and was absolutely thrilled with all they were able to achieve. Reminiscing about “the old days” at Silver Beach was something he truly loved to do. Joe was an avid fan of the University of Michigan and followed the Wolverine football games religiously, win or lose. On July 12, 2003, Joseph married Margaret “Peg” Williamson and together they were a popular addition to local parades and events, riding on Joe's 1937 American LaFrance fire truck which was his pride and joy. He learned to love history as much as Peg does during their many trips together. He also had a great passion for electric trains. Joseph Mitchell was a gentleman and a gentle man whose warm, loving nature was enjoyed by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by family, friends and neighbors. He is survived by his children, Joseph W. Mitchell, Jr. and his wife Joanie of Medford, OR., Jenna Everett and her husband Jim of St. Joseph, MI, Julie K. Mitchell also of St. Joseph, MI; step-children, Cindy Paulson and her husband Mark of Grand Haven, MI, Lesa Klien and her husband Steve of Sparta, MI, and Maria Rocky and her husband, Jim also of Grand Haven, MI, Jonathan Williamson and his wife Pamela of Kalamazoo, MI, Joyce Finlay and her husband David of San Diego, CA, Judith Hopwood and her husband Jeff of St. Joseph, MI, Jennifer Cruickshank and her husband James of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Jace and Joezie Mitchell, Austin, Ryan and Lane Everett, Grant and Logan Klug, Daniel Burreson, Brandon Davis, Alyssa Rocky, Jennifer Hoffman, Christal and Brian Williamson, David Finley, Jr., Amanda & Alexandria Finlay, Joel, Corey and Christopher Hopwood. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert, and three sisters Doris, Ruth and Arlene, and also by his wife, Sally Munson Stevens.