Merrillville, Indiana
Jeffrey A. Mitchell, age 51, of Merrillville, IN formerly of Hessville, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 17, 2014.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife: JoAnne; daughter: Lindsey (Tyler) Danta of Valparaiso, IN; step-daughter: Alexandra LaPinta of St. Petersburg, FL; step-son: Anthony LaPinta of Indianapolis, IN; sister: Sue Mitchell of Hammond, IN; brother: Jim Mitchell of San Francisco, CA; nieces Kaysie (Edward) Alvarez, Natalie Dublak; nephews: Matthew and Bryan Dublak; along with a host of cousins, great-nephews, and sports fans everywhere. He was preceded in death by his parents: Margaret and Harold Mitchell and his sister: Tami Dublak.
Jeff worked at Jays Potato Chips for 23 years before moving to Aramark Uniforms in 2008. Aside from being an outstanding salesman and genuinely great guy, he will be especially remembered for all things sports. He started with the Cubs with his dad and daughter Lindsey, continued through the Bulls era, was halfway to having visited all the professional baseball parks with JoAnne, loved a good football matchup, and had recently jumped on the Blackhawks fan wagon. He was forever proud of his softball coaching years with Lindsey and his travel team families. He was an avid sports and outdoorsman, traveling the Midwest and beyond for camping, hiking, skiing, snowboarding and nature in general. He did get to both coasts in our pursuit of ballparks. (Oh Sweet Caroline) Nothing made him happier than working on his yards, in both Hessville and Merrillville, and he put a lot of love and himself into the landscaping of both residences. He was one of a kind and one of the most generous and kindest men to know. He will be sadly missed.
Friends may visit with the family on Monday, January 20, 2014 at Geisen Funeral and Cremation Services, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410 from 3:30 PM until time of funeral service at 6:30 PM. Services will conclude at the funeral home with cremation to follow.
Sign guestbook or view directions at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. 219-769-3322.
My condolences to Jeff's wife, daughter and the rest of the family. Jeff was a great person and I know he will be very missed. I will pray for God's healing of your hearts during this sad time.
Tammy Fout
January 26, 2014 | LaPorte, IN
Thank you everyone for your kind words and memories. I miss my brother terribly as I know you do as well.
Sue Mitchell
January 26, 2014 | Hammond, IN
My thoughts and prayers to the family!!!! R.I.P Jeff
January 24, 2014
My condolences to Joanne, Lindsey and Jeff's entire family as this time. Jeff and I have been lifelong friends and I feel such a tremendous since of loss. I'm thankful for all the memories, from having a jam session to early A.M. lines for concert tickets. I have so much respect and admiration for him, for what he went through and to come out with such zeal for life like I have never seen. I will find myself thinking of him often, when the Bears need a turnover or when the Bulls just can't...
Jeff Fulmer
January 21, 2014 | Birminham, AL
Would like to send my condolence to your family .I am at a lost for words.Jeff and I go way back and we made a lot of great memories that I will never forget. He was a good friend for a long time . I have a lot of regrets now that I have to live with for not continuing this friendship in our older years . But you will never be far from my thoughts and i will never ever let something come between me and a good friend . I am sorry bro and this world has lost a good human ..R.I.P. Jeff
Keith Maddox
January 21, 2014 | Hammond, IN
Joanne and Lindsey sorry to hear about Jeff. Always enjoyed having you as neighbors. Will be praying for all of you.
David & Annette Bensinger
January 20, 2014 | Hammond, IN
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff, this is so sad. I coached with Jeff and found him to be a fun guy with a happy disposition. He had a positive outlook on life and genuinely enjoyed his coaching time.
David Lamski
January 20, 2014 | Highland, IN
JoAnne, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Jeff was a good friend in elementary and middle school. Just not long ago found him on Facebook. RIP, my friend.
Alan Sheline
January 20, 2014 | Bradenton, FL
RIP Jeff, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jeff was my best friend when we were kids. Back then we made it a goal to visit all the MLB ball parks, I am glad to see you started that quest.
Brian Cox
January 20, 2014 | Franklin Grove, IL
