Harmon Mitchell

1937 - 2015

HARMON "MITCH" MITCHELL, 77 ROCKFORD - Harmon L. Mitchell, 77, of Rockford, IL died September 1, 2015, in his home, surrounded by his loved ones after his six month battle with Leukemia (AML). He was born December 22, 1937, in Rochelle, IL to Margaret (Hayes) and Harmon G. Mitchell. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane (Dal Pra) of Rockford, whom he married on November 19, 1966. He is also survived by son, Matthew of Rockford; daughter, Marissa and son-in-law, Dan (Caulfield) of Del Mar, CA; daughter, Mary-Margaret and son-in-law, Joran (Bouwman) of Leucadia, CA; son, Marcus and daughter-in-law, Sarah (France) of Rockford, IL; and his grandchildren, Christopher, Madison, Mitchell, Cayden, Maryclare, Kai, Lumin, Levin, Camden and Samantha. He is also survived by his sister, Ann (Mitchell) Moreland; sister-in-law, Sheri (Dal Pra) and Terry Casey, brother-in-law, Tony and Celeste Dal Pra; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mitch was a wonderful, caring, fun-loving father and grandfather. He devoted his life to his family, friends and community. He graduated from Millikin University and attended UCLA graduate school for business. He enjoyed a long and successful career in advertising, sales and wealth management before retiring into his career as a community advocate. Mitch was a man of many passions. He was an avid golfer, winning several local tournaments. He played for the Rockford Majors Semi Pro Basketball team. He loved the Cubs (knowing that "this is the year"). He also was a Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks fan. He took great joy in coaching his kids in sports and supporting his grandchildren's sports endeavors. He was a devoted Boylan booster, serving as the club president. Harmon graduated East High School in 1955, where he was voted Alumni of the Year. As a member of the TKE fraternity he traveled the country as recruitment chair. Mitch served his country in the Army Reserves for 7 years at Fort Ord in California. Later, as a county board member and committee chair for the the Forest Preserve, he was instrumental in the appropriation and development of the Ledges Golf Course. He was a member and past President of the Irish Marching Society. Mitch also served on the Rockford Township Board and the Republican National Committee. He was an active dedicated parishioner of St. Rita Catholic Church with a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. Mitch took particular enjoyment from his time as the District 205 School Board President. His greatest joy however was the time he spent with the love of his life, Diane. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Khan and the caring staff at OSF Center for Cancer care as well as the wonderful nurses on 4 West. Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 5th, 2015, in St. Rita Catholic Church, 6245 Valley Knoll Dr., Rockford, with Father William Wentink, officiant. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday September 4th, 2015, at Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home, 304 N. 5th St., Rockford. Additional visitation 2 hours prior to Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations, in the name of the family, to the American Cancer Society. Online register, maps and directions at www.weltefuneral.com.