Frank Junior Mitchell

Frank J. Mitchell age 85, a long time Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully slipped into eternal glory, surrounded by his loved ones in the comfort of his own home, on Friday, November 18, 2016.                 Frank was born on April 13, 1931 in Cherry County, near Whitman, Nebraska to Frank and Ellen (Garwood) Mitchell.  At the age of one, Frank moved with his family to Park Rapids, MN.  He attended country school near him family’s homestead.  As he grew into manhood, Frank worked hard on the family farm and in the area forests logging timber.  As a young man, he entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country stationed in Italy from 1955 -1957.  After receiving his honorable discharge, Frank returned home to Park Rapids and later purchased the family farm which his father homesteaded in 1897; thus, keeping the farm in the Mitchell family for 119 years and lived there until the day he died. Frank enjoyed farm life and farmed for many years.  On June 6, 1964, Frank’s life was fulfilled with his marriage to Hilda M. Olson.  Their union was blessed with two daughters: Lori and Melanie.  In 1968, he began working for Itasca State Park as a maintenance engineer in a career that spanned over 26 years until his retirement in 1994.  Frank was very involved in his community.  He served as a supervisor of the Clover Township Board for 29 years.  He and a friend were the founding members of the Little Mantrap Sportsmen’s Club.  For over fifty years, he served on the board of the Arago-Clover-Evergreen Cemetery where the meticulous records he kept and the grounds he maintained so beautifully stand as a tribute to his great dedication. For many years he was a member of the Historical Society and the Genealogy Society.  His knowledge of area history was often sought after and he was often asked to write articles detailing important local historical events and facts. He also served for a number of years on the Scenic Byways Committee.  Frank was also a man of faith.  As a past member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George, Frank had served as a Sunday School Teacher for a number of years.  He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids where had served for many years on the Board of Church Properties.  Frank endured the deep sadness of Hilda’s sudden death on July 4, 1990.  On May 26, 2007 he was married to Mona D. Nelson and she was a big part of his life in his later years.  In his spare time Frank enjoyed wood working and wood carving.  He was an avid bicycle rider and had logged over 1000 miles per year for many years.  He also enjoyed keeping active and fit by cross country skiing each winter. Above all, Frank loved spending time with his daughters and grandsons who he loved with all his heart.                 He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters: Lori (Brad)Larson of Pine River, MN and Melanie (Dwayne Hirsch) Carlson of Detroit Lakes, MN; two grandsons: Mike and Tony Carlson; a brother, Orvel Mitchell of Park Rapids; three sisters:  Rose Schultz of Park Rapids, Doris Mitchell of Blackduck, MN and Mary Niska of Portland, Oregon; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.                 Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Hilda; two brothers: Roy and Charley and a sister, Rachel Knight.                 Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Reverend James Neubauer and the Reverend Tim Heinecke officiating.  The casket bearers will be his son-in-law, Brad Larson; grandsons: Mike and Tony Carlson and good friend, Dwayne Hirsch.  Interment will be made in the Arago-Clover-Evergreen Cemetery north of Park Rapids.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Monday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and again on Tuesday beginning one hour prior to the service at the church.  Following the service a lunch will be hosted by the church.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com