Gordon P. Mitchell, 89, of Merrill, died Sunday, May 1, 2011 at his home under Aspirus Hospice Care.
He was born February 7, 1922, in the town of Skanawan, son of the late Vance and Palma (Knutson) Mitchell. He married Arlette Krauklis on February 24, 1945.
Gordon and Arlette founded and established Mitchell Metal Products, Inc, in Merrill in 1954. They started with several machines in their garage and went on to become a major manufacturing business in Merrill. Gordon was a self taught and gifted tool and die maker. He was known for his ingenuity and designing abilities. As President of his company, he was respected and admired by his employees for being wise, humble, and generous.
Gordon’s main hobby was always his work. He worked at his company until his health would no longer allow him to continue. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed traveling the world with his family and loved taking trips in his RV.
Gordon was a long time member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Arlette, his daughter, Shirley of Merrill, his son, Dale (Sue) of Harrison; one grandson, Clint of Pewaukee, two granddaughters, Krista (Jackson) Clerveaux of Madison , Kaitlin (Ransey Osness) of Rhinelander; two great granddaughters, Kaela and Keira Clerveaux of Madison, two great grandsons, DeAirus and Marquez Clerveaux of Madison; one sister, Delores (David) Anderson of Melrose and one brother-in-law, Orea Erickson of Savage, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Murel, Vernel, sisters Evelyn Marshall, Irene Zastrow, Marvel Frick, Lorraine Mitchell, Ruth Mitchell, and Margie Erickson; and a great-grandson, Jaques Gordon Clerveaux.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. The Rev. Maurice Schaus will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the hour of services at the church.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .
Gordon’s family has suggested that memorials be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Aspirus Hospice Program, or to the charity of your choice.