Visitation: Wednesday, May 31, from 4:30 - 7:30 PM at Stroo Funeral Home
Service: 11 am Thursday, June 1, at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE
Cemetery: Blain 
Memorials: A local Humane Society 

(3077 Wilson Dr NW, Walker, MI 49534) 

Bernard D. Mitchell, 1927 – 2023 loved to share a smile and joy with those around him. He leaves behind a multitude of memories shared with his family and friends. He loved people.

Bernard and Harriet Nelson Mitchell celebrated seventy-six years of marriage in January. The love they shared poured over to their three children, six grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Daughter, Carol and Michael Betz continue to share in the joy of family with their children and grandchildren, Christian and Heather Betz (Anni, Lauren, Zoe), Emily and Andrew Tyra, Elke and Paul Meek (Maggie, Alice, Lucy). Sons Donald and Richard preceded him but not without leaving behind precious grandchildren to carry the Mitchell family name, Bradley Justin and Caroline Mitchell (Luke, Sophia, John), Brian and Kelly Mitchell (Gannon, Grace, Gunner and Galla) and Holly and Steven Jandernoa (Keith, Adam, Lewis, and Paul). They were a blessing to him, and memories of time shared with Papa will continue to bless their hearts. Sue Ann and Gary Clark were honored to know and love Bernard in a special way. His multitude of nephews and nieces brought much joy to his heart throughout the years.

Bernard served his country during World War II as a Military Policeman serving on special assignments in Washington DC.  He returned to civilian life as GI Bill student, attaining his degree at Huntington College in Huntington, Indiana. During his younger years he had received his Eagle Scout Award. Bernard’s lifework was devoted to Mitco, Inc. Any reflection on Bernard’s life would be incomplete without mention of his love of harvest season in Northport, Michigan and time shared with his family in Carefree, Arizona.

As he passes on to eternal life, he joins many people he considered as family and leaves behind many who will remember his smile. Thank you to those who provided for his care as he entered later life at Beacon Hill at Eastgate and the Faith Hospice team who joined to meet his needs in his last chapter.

Those who wish to truly honor his life need only share time with family and friends, read a book to a child, bounce a grandchild on their knee, plant a garden, pet a dog, and laugh often. Memorial gifts in his memory may directed to a local Humane Society in honor of his love of animals.

Visitation will be at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68^th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, on Wednesday, May 31 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. Services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 1, at Stroo Funeral Home, presided over by Pastor Richard VerKaik with the opportunity to visit the family one-hour prior.