Mitchell Mayor White

Mitchell M. “Mitch” White, 77, of Bettendorf passed away August 30, 2016 following an extended battle with cancer. Friends and family may attend a celebration of life from 2-5 pm, Saturday, September 3, 2016 at the Runge Mortuary. A committal will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Pilot Grove Cemetery in Hancock County, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gilda’s Club of the Quad Cities or Friends of the Pine Creek Grist Mill. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com

Mitch was born and raised in Illinois. Mitch and Melba forged their bond as students at Bradley University in Peoria, where he studied mechanical engineering. They were married July 28, 1963 in Carthage, Illinois.

Mitch was employed by Hawkeye Chemical, self-employed by White Hydropower and performed environmental consulting until his retirement. He, his wife and children restored a defunct hydro-electric plant on the Rock River.

Mitch’s interests and curiosity knew no bounds. He was a member of Friends of the Pine Creek Grist Mill and the Gem and Mineral Society. He loved to tend his houseplants and garden. He also loved geology. He and Melba toured Iceland to see many geological wonders including an active, erupting volcano.

Survivors include his wife, Melba; their three children: Saren (Joel) Johnson, Gail (Jim) Barbero and David (Melissa) White; four grandchildren: Jacob, Nicholas, Gwen and Marshall; and a brother, Alvin (Gloria) White.