Arthur D. Mitchell

Arthur D. Mitchell, Jr., 87, of Iron Mountain, died Friday, October 30, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at the Oscar G. Johnson V.A. Medical Center in Iron Mountain. Arthur was born February 13, 1928 in Iron Mountain, son of the late Arthur D. & Louise (Gendron) Mitchell. He married Rita Hartel of Sturgeon Bay, WI the 9th of September 1950. Art retired in 1976 after serving his country for 31 active duty years, 3 years in the U.S. Army and 28 years in the U.S. Coast Guard at the rank of Master Chief Boatswains Mate. He served on many patrol ships both on the East and West coasts, served as Officer in Charge of rescue stations, patrol gun boat cutters on US coasts and overseas. He was a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He received many distinguished awards, many Life Savings Awards, Vietnam Service Medal, Campaign Stars, Marine Corps Combat Service Award, and the Cross of Gallantry of Vietnam. After his retirement he worked for the Dickinson Iron Vocational Center in the Home Building Trades Program for eight years. He then worked at the Carmelite Monastery for 10 years in maintenance. He cherished his friendship with the Carmelite Sisters and regarded them as Angels on Earth. He was a member of the American Legion Post 50 serving as Commander for three years and Chaplain for many years. As chaplain he served in over 300 Military Funerals. He volunteered at the VA Medical Center visiting hospitalized patients. He was also a member of the Chief Petty Officers of the U.S. Coast Guard, VFW, Amvets, DAV, Navy Fleet Reserve, Non Commission Officers Association, Vietnam Vets of America, and the Coast Guard Combat Association. Art loved the United States Coast Guard and referred to those in the service as unsung heroes. In 2012 Art received the Citizen Patriot Award for Exemplary Love, Honor, and Service to God, Country and Community. Art was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Art is survived by his daughters, Paula (Denis) Johnson of Marquette and Patricia (Mark) Johnson of Irma, WI; daughter-in-law, Betsy (Foltz) Mitchell of Green Bay, WI; six grandchildren, Dawn (Matt), Sammuel, Lisa (William), Lynn, Aaron (Amy) and Emily (Cory); seven great-grandchildren Wyatt, Emma, Mike, Kate, Jacob, Joanne and Amelia; a sister-in-law, Joan (Duane) Mitchell and family; and niece & nephew, Jackie and Carl Lemin. Art was preceded in death by his wife, Rita, in 1993; son, Peter, in 2003; three brothers, Earl, Jack, and Duane; four sisters, Genevieve Deneen, Maxine Yatchet, Verna Balizarini and Doris Mitchell. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 am at the Carmelite Monastery in Iron Mountain. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will offer the Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 Color Guard will conduct military graveside honors. Pallbearers are Denis Johnson, Mark Johnson, Terry Mitchell, Matt Schumitsch, Terry O’Connel and Vern Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Sammuel Smith, Dean White, Ken Davis and Pat Scott. In lieu of flower, please consider a monetary donation to the Carmelite Monastery in Art’s memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Art Mitchell online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Arthur D. Mitchell

February 13, 1928 - October 30, 2015