John D. Mitchell

John D. Mitchell, 78, of Kiel died unexpectedly on Tuesday January 28, 2025. He was born on August 31, 1946 in Hazel Green, WI., son of the late Darrell and Kathleen (Martzahn) Mitchell. John graduated from Lancaster High School. He continued his education at U.W Platteville first graduating with his Bachelors and then his Masters in Education. On July 3, 1971 he married the former Rosie Bratton at Platteville United Methodist Church.
In 1968, John began teaching math and chemistry at Kiel High School. He spent the next 38 years working with students and preparing them for future school and careers. During many of those summers he worked at various companies throughout the area so he could gain first hand knowledge of what his students would need to succeed in the future. John was passionate about learning and he shared that passion with many of his students. He was a dedicated teacher who always had the best interest of his students in mind. John retired from teaching in 2006. He was recognized by the Milwaukee School of Engineering as a distinquished educator. An honor bestowed upon him after recommendations from former students attending MSOE. After retirement he worked for 17 years at Worthington Cylinders and for the past 2 years was a board member for the e-school.
John is a current member of the Freemasons of Sheboygan, Lodge #11 and a former member of the Kiel Lodge. He was a longtime member of the Bethel United Methodist Church family, serving as President of the Board for 10 years. Rosie and John were very active in the Marriage Encounter Movement. They spent countless weekends presenting for the Engaged Encounters working with hundreds of couples throughout the years. In his younger days he and Rosie were also very involved with the Boy Scouts of America. They were Merit Badge Counselors and John served as chairman of the Parent Committee. He continued to stay active with the scouts even after both his sons had attained Eagle Scout Honors.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years; Rosie, his children; Rick (Nicole) Mitchell, Oregon, WI., Brian (Jana) Mitchell, Sparta, WI., Ann (Kory) Schoen, Chilton, WI., grandchildren; Elissa (Sean) and Alec Mitchell, Logan Derheimer, Logan Mitchell, Jack, Adam and Morgan Schoen. Further survived by his sister and brothers; Mary (Mick) Grosz, Dan (Chris) Mitchell, Joe (Ricki) Mitchell, brother-in-law; Charlie (Barb) Bratton along with his faithful companions Cooper and Tucker. John is also survived by other relatives and numerous friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday February 4, 2025 at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt-DeTroye Funeral Home (815 6th St. Kiel) Atime of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday February 3, 2025 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. On Tuesday, Masonic Services will take place at the funeral home at 9:00am and vistation will continue from 9:45am until the time of funeral services at 11:00am.
John's family would like to thank the Kiel Ambulance Service along with Dr. Carolyn Hellman and the ER staff at Ascension Calumet Hospital, Chilton for all the help and compassion shown to them. A special thank you to Janice Forss, Darcy Mathies, Jill Fritsch and Pastor Wendy Witt for their support.