Craig D. Mitchell, 67

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Craig Dwaine Mitchell, 67, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at his home outside of Dow City. He was born on Dec. 27, 1955, to Robert and Rosanna (Hack) Mitchell in Denison. He attended school in Dunlap, graduating in the class of 1974, and then attended Graceland College for a year. Craig worked at IBP during the high school summers and after he moved back from college. On May 13, 1977, Craig was united in marriage to Sharon Coenen at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dunlap. Craig worked construction for Harold Melby and other numerous jobs, but his most cherished time was spent on the family farm where he developed his passion for livestock and farming from his dad. Typical Sundays, the whole family could be found at Bob and Rosanna’s where they could be found sorting hogs and working the cattle.

Coon Dog enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping, which he started at a young age. While in school he excelled in sports and that continued later on when he played softball for the Blackshirts with his dad and many friends. He also enjoyed golfing. He enjoyed watching western movies and especially admired John Wayne’s noble cowboy character. Most of all, Craig cherished time with his family. He was the biggest supporter of his children and grandchildren. Craig was the best at spoiling them with trips to the gas station for chocolate milk and a donut, and days at Manteno Park fishing and frog catching. They were truly the light of his eyes.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert William Mitchell. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Mitchell of Dow City; children, Ben Mitchell and his wife Amy and Tim Mitchell all of Dow City, Emily and her husband Bart Falkena of Dunlap and Haley and her husband Wade Nelson of Dow City; grandchildren, Mariah, Jenna, Sierra, Emma, Grant, Ridge and Nova; siblings, Tom Mitchell and his wife Barb of West Des Moines, Travis Mitchell of Dunlap, Cindy Mitchell of Sergeant Bluff, Janet and her husband Arlin Prins of Hartley, Julie Mitchell of Winterset and Jane and her husband Dave Schaar of Sergeant Bluff; and many other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at St. Patrick Parish Center in Dunlap. Pastor Aaron Terwilleger presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “The Old Rugged Cross” by Alan Jackson, “You Have to Stand For Something” by Aaron Tippin, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The pallbearers were Bob Donscheski, Rick Melby, Randy Mitchell, Scott Mitchell, Craig Reetz, Roger Sullivan, Greg Ulmer and Rick Wingrove. Craig’s final resting place is at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com