Michael Louis Mitchell, 75, of Elma, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City. 

The funeral service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Riceville. Father Ray Atwood will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Riceville. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville. Scripture will be said at 5 p.m. and the Rosary will be said at 7 p.m.

Michael was born March 26, 1933, to Thomas and Loretta (Drew) Mitchell at his family home in Davis Corners. In 1952, he graduated from Cresco Public Schools. On Nov. 16, 1954, he was united in marriage to Delphine Reicherts at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Haven. To this union they were blessed with eight children. After a struggle with cancer, Delphine passed away in 1978, leaving Michael to raise their four youngest children. On June 21, 1985, he was united in marriage to Joan Ohm at our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lourdes. They are currently members of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church of Alta Vista.

Mike’s biggest love was spending time with his family. He celebrated life in every moment and was always happiest when surrounded by those he loved. Michael had an innate ability to entertain and brighten up any room he entered, usually bringing his polka tapes and occasionally his portable dance floor. His grandchildren always knew that Grandpa Mike could be counted on for a stick of Big Red or Juicy Fruit gum or an invitation to join him in a polka dance. He enjoyed working on the farm, proudly proclaiming himself the “Hayman,” as well as hauling grain and hay across the state. He also enjoyed attending community festivals, especially thrashing events. He loved camping at the Mid-Summer Mitchell Madness weekend, where he was always the first one to arrive to greet and lend a helping hand to everyone. He appreciated a good meal more than anyone and could give the best descriptions of the experience. Mike found joy in every aspect of life and truly appreciated the little things.

Michael will be sadly missed by his wife Joan of Elma; eight children: James (Carla) Mitchell of Fayette, Randall (Kathy) Mitchell of New Hampton, Cindy (Lyle) Wendland of Charles City, Rebecca (Jay) Dohlman of Riceville, Christine (Steve) Dunn of Kansas City, Elizabeth (Kurt) Christensen of Riceville, Jeffrey Mitchell of Minneapolis, David (Bridgette) Mitchell of Decorah; his brother, Merle Mitchell; two sisters, Mary Dvorak and Loretta Brown; two brothers-in-law, Alex Adams and Gervase Hemann; 26 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; six stepchildren: Randy, Rick, Sue, Sharyl, Gary and Jacki; 16 step grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Delphine, his parents, Thomas and Loretta Mitchell, his in-laws, Loy and Romel Reicherts, Ray and Marian Wilson, his sisters-in-law, Lucille (Reicherts) Adams and Patty (Reicherts) Hemann, his brothers-in-law, Truman Dvorak and Harley Brown.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, (641) 985-2242, is in charge of the arrangements.