Fred Wallace Mitchell

Fred W. Mitchell was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 16, 1922 to Raymond H.and Milicent (Laflin) Mitchell. He graduated from Alexandria High School in 1941. Fred’s mother passed on when Fred was only 10 years of age. At age 13 he was “adopted” by Grandma Anna and Oscar Swanson. While living with the Swanson’s he met his wife, Janice, while waiting for the school bus.

Fred and Janice were married on August 15, 1942. Fred was drafted in the Army in 1943, serving in World War II for 39 months, attaining the rank of Corporal while stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington serving with the military police. Their first son, Jim was born while Fred was serving his country. Following Fred’s discharge they returned to Alexandria where daughter, Judy was born. Fred worked various jobs in several cities during the next few years. While living in St. Louis Park, their 2nd son, Tom, was born.

Fred worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis for 13 years. They moved to Carlos, Minnesota in 1971 building their home on Lake Carlos. Fred worked at Balance Aircraft and Alexandria Public Works in Alexandria, retiring in 1985. In 1992 Fred and Jan sold their Lake Home and became full-time RV travelers for 4 years. They resided in Stillwater, Minnesota until 2000 when Fred was injured in a fall and moved to Duluth.

Survivors include Fred’s wife of 68 years, Janice; 3 children, Jim (Clarice) Mitchell of Elk River, Judy (Richard) Anderson of Duluth, Tom (Paula) Mitchell of Stillwater; 8 grandchildren, Carolyn (Bryan) Boroughs, Doug (Mandy) Mitchell, Jill (Douglas) Schober, Kay (Phil) Norris, Kent (Stephanie) Anderson, Trevor Mitchell, Tedra Mitchell and Teague Mitchell; 8 great-grandchildren, Melissa, Amber and Jenna Boroughs, Weston and Hayden Norris, Wyatt and Sawyer Anderson and Landon Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. Fred passed away Monday, April 4, 2011 in Duluth at the age of 88.

Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home 601 N. 56th Ave. W. with Rev. David Peterson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Fred will be laid to rest at 11 A.M. Monday, April 11, 2011 in Carlos Prairie Cemetery, Carlos, MN. In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. Please leave a memory of Fred or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Home 218-624-5745