George Edward Mitchell, 77, of Kingsley died March 12, 2018 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City following complications from open heart surgery. He was born December 27, 1940 to Ralph and Bernadine (Forward) Mitchell in Kingsley, MI. He lived his entire life on the Mitchell family Centennial farm in Mayfield Twp, and was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church in Hannah. He graduated in 1959 from St. Mary’s High School in Hannah. He served in the US Air Force stationed in Frankfort Germany from 1959-1963, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in January 1963. He attended Northern Michigan University in 1963 earning a certificate of completion as Chief Clerk. In 1964, he married the love of his life, Nancy McClelland, at St. Mary’s Church in Hannah.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ralph J. Mitchell; his mother, Bernadine Mitchell; and his wife, Nancy Mitchell.
He is survived by his brother, Wilbur Mitchell of Kingsley; his daughter, Lisa (Paul) Bugajski of Comstock Park, MI; his son, Mark (Nikki Kiriacopoulos) Mitchell of Kingsley; grandchildren Maria, Daniel, Annabella, Katie & Grace Bugajski, Destiny Merrill-Mitchell and Connor & Robyn Mitchell; nieces Michelle (Aaron) Seiser of Gladwin, Monique (Shawn)Turner of Virginia, Misty Miller of the UK & Sarah Mann of Arizona; and nephews Scott (Vanessa) Mann of Union KY, Mike (Tracy) Mann of New Mexico, Bill (Jessica) Mitchell of Kingsley & Brian (Melissa) Mann of Union KY as well as numerous great nieces & nephews and three exchange students.
George was employed by Fotchman Motor Company for several years after returning from service in Germany. He later worked for Sinclair/Arco Oil Company until 1981. In 1981 he began working as Janitor/Maintenance/Bus Driver at St. Mary’s School in Hannah until his retirement in 2001. “Mr. George” is fondly remembered by many for bringing his cocker spaniels in to visit the children. George was a bus driver for Kingsley Schools for many years, retiring in 2003. George was a man with a wry sense of humor and a tough exterior surrounding a loving heart. George was an avid sportsman enjoying camping, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He traveled to Montana, Colorado and Wyoming many times to hunt elk and other big game. He was among the first US Military personnel to cross the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. George enjoyed motorcycling, bowling, playing cards, and time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. He and Nancy spent winters in Florida and summers at Northern Exposure Campground in Mesick.
Visitation is planned for Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Covell Funeral Home of Kingsley. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, March 19, 2018, 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Hannah Catholic Church in Kingsley with a luncheon immediately following.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association and St. Mary’s Church in Hannah. Following a funeral mass at St. Mary’s Church in Hannah he will be cremated and interred in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Kingsley.
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