John retired as superintendent of building and grounds at Alaska Methodist University.
He was active in the Lutheran Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. John was a dearly loved husband, father and grandfather. He was a hardworking man dedicated to providing for his family. His move to Alaska in 1961 fulfilled a lifetime dream. Once here he took full advantage of what Alaska had to offer. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and especially enjoyed his homesteading experience. He loved construction work and took pride in being able to share these skills with family members. John faced the struggles of the last years of his life with courage and faith. His sense of humor remained strong. He was dearly loved and will be remembered for the way he touched the lives of those around him.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Glenna Mitchell; daughters, Linda Lamareau, Evelyn Sampson and Teresa Gorup; sons-in-law, Al Lamoreau and Jim Sampson; grandchildren, Kurt and Kenny Lamareaux, Peter Mitchell, Jacob Gorup, Duski Hill, Amber, Melissa, and Brian Sampson and Ashlee Johnson; great-grand children, Jordan, Jachin, Lindsay, Ethan, Logan, Lucas, Yasmine, Zoe, Tatum, Tyler, Chase, Elias, and sister, Evelyn Steiner of Oregon.
John was preceded in death by his first wife, Vera, and their son James Mitchell, and granddaughter, Kori Gorup.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to the following organizations: Denali Hospice, 3935 Reka Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508 or Alzheimer Resource Agency of Alaska, 1750 Abbott Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.
Arrangements were by Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory.
John will be interred at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.
John was born May 22, 1922. He served in the Army as a medic in World War II. Before moving to Alaska in 1961 to homestead in Palmer, John owned Mitchell Contractors with his father. He also worked as a self-employed contractor and commercial fished in Homer.
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