Robert Alfred Mitchell, 93, died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Dunlap Care Center. He was born Oct. 25, 1929, to Alfred and Evelyn (Koski) Mitchell near Dunlap. He was raised near Dunlap and graduated from high school in 1948. Bob was a great athlete in high school where he excelled in football, basketball, track and baseball. Bob farmed his entire life and also worked at IBP for 26 years. Bob married Rosanna May Hack on June 19, 1949. The couple enjoyed farm life and raising their family.
Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church in Dunlap. In his earlier years, he and Rosanna loved to dance. Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting and continued his love of baseball by playing on the town team. He also played softball for the Blackshirts. Bob refereed for several years for both football and basketball games. He really enjoyed following his children in all of their activities. Then came the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed following their activities as well. Bob was on the Dunlap School Board for years and served as President. Bob loved farming, hard work, but he especially loved his family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosanna Mitchell; son, Robert William Mitchell; and brother-in-law, Leo Paul Sullivan. He is survived by his seven children, Tom (Barb) Mitchell of West Des Moines, Travis Mitchell of Dunlap, Craig (Sharon) Mitchell of Dow City, Cindy Mitchell of Sergeant Bluff, Janet (Arlin) Prins of Hartley, Julie Mitchell of Winterset and Jane (Dave) Schaar of Sergeant Bluff; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; siblings, Norma Sullivan, Phyllis (Fritz) Klein and Charles (Sally) Mitchell all of Dunlap; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at United Methodist Church in Dunlap. Pastor Aaron Terwilleger presided over the service. The musicians were Nancy Foutch, Jay Randall and Beth Fouts. The congregational hymns were “Because He Lives” and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” and the musical selections were “It Is Well With My Soul” and “How Great Thou Art”. The pallbearers were Bob’s grandsons; Ben Mitchell, Andrew Mitchell, Reggie Mitchell, Tim Mitchell, Derek Schaar and Collin Schaar. Bob’s final resting place is at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
