Rev. Dennis R. Mitchell

Rev. Dennis R. "Denny" Mitchell, 85, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away suddenly, Wednesday morning, September 23, 2026. He was born June 5, 1941 in Rockford, IL, the son of Frank E. and Dorothy R.(Bennett) Mitchell. Denny graduated from East High School and went on to work at J.L. Clark for 53 years. He was the longest employee in the history of the company at the time. Denny married Kathy George on April 30, 1983. Denny was the Pastor of Riverside Cathedral Church for over 30 years, where he enjoyed the fellowship of the church and playing his trumpet during services. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved mountain climbing, camping and caving to name a few. Denny and Kathy loved to travel to Estes Park, CO for many years with his parents, Frank and Dorothy. He will be remembered for his sense of adventure and never following the beaten path. Denny adored reminiscing about family memories and his many adventures in his younger years.

Denny is loved and missed by his loving wife of 43 years, Kathy; children, Todd Mitchell and Scot Mitchell; bonus children, John George, Jr., Karen (Stephen) Thompson and family, Cheryl (Mike) Ransick and family and Jerry (Julie) George and family; grandchildren, Haley (David) Gray, Cory (Theresa) Mitchell and Kaylan Mitchell; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Harwood; special niece, Brandi (Chris) Mather; great-nephew and great-niece, Xander and Ivy Mather; special friends Joe K. and family and Teresa and John Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother-in-law, Gary Harwood.

A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL with a funeral service to begin at 2:00 p.m. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.