Robert Mitchell

ROBERT H. MITCHELL, 85 ROCKFORD - Robert H. Mitchell, 85, of Rockford died peacefully at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born Feb. 3, 1927, in Rockford; the son of Harvey and Elsie (Stieg) Mitchell. He was the 1945 senior class president at East High School, then graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and Korea. He married Janet Parland on March 21, 1953; she died March 10, 1975. He then married Linda Haschke on Jan. 24, 1981, in Rockford. Robert was an engineering manager at National Lock for 30 years, retiring in 1987. He then worked as a plant manager for AWAB for five years and was a consultant at Specialty Screw. Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and Kiwanis. He enjoyed golf and fishing, and he loved spending time with his family and many friends. Survived by wife, Linda; children, Kathy (Al Tighe) Englin of Cherry Valley, David (Crystal) Mitchell of Rockford, Mary (Kerry) Peters of Belvidere, Julie (Herb) Phelps of Loves Park and Robert "Rob" Mitchell Jr., of Rockford; grandchildren, Chad Englin, Kelly (Jordan) Tuminaro, Sarah Peters, Jacob and Brennan Phelps, Hailey and Austin Mitchell, and Andrew Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Logan and Avery Tuminaro; brother, Roger Mitchell of Belvidere; brother-in-law, Don Lindquist of Rockford; nephews, Todd (Lisa) Nalley and their children, Tyler and Logan, and Kip Nalley; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Predeceased by granddaughter, Kylie Mitchell; parents; and sister, Lucille Lindquist. Special thanks to Heartland Hospice and DeVita Dialysis for their loving care. Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, in Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.; Gordy Smith will officiate. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61102; or Heartland Hospice, 6885 Vistagreen Way, Rockford, IL 61107. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.