Richard A. Mitchell

Cherry Valley-Richard "Dick" A. Mitchell, 80 died Friday, January 28, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. Born Feb. 6, 1930 in Chicago, the son of John and Martha (Haskell) Mitchell. Attended West High School in Rockford and North High School in Columbus, OH. He then went on to attend Ohio State University in Columbus. Married his loving wife Janet L. Savage in McAllen, TX on August 8, 1950. Dick was the co-owner of Bon Ton Cleaners in Rockford until the early 1970's, sold insurance with Prudential from 1971 to 1992. After retirement he worked part-time with the Rockford Park District at Elliot Golf Course . He was named 2010 Citizen of the year in Cherry Valley; was Cherry Valley School Board President and board member , was on the Cherry Valley zoning board from 1963 - 2010 and was an Explorer advisor and Cub Scout leader. Survivors include his wife of Cherry Valley; children, Diane (Eric) Brewner, Brad Mitchell and Kelly (Randy) Janssen; daughter-in-law, Izzie Spotz; grandchildren, Clayton Mitchell, Bailey (Jonathan) Richardson, Kenny Spotz, Sean (Hettie), Hilary, Courtney and Kyle Brewner, John A. Mitchell, Taryn (Jeff) Fee, Derek (Charlene) Crooks, Kelsey Crooks; step-grandchildren, Derek and Brad (Claudia) Janssen; great grandchildren, Renee, Darby, Fletcher, Ryan, Jonathan and Audrey; special friends, Harvey Jewett, Jane Salisbury and family; Debbie Hashman and many more too numerous to list. He was preceded in death by his son, Dirk Mitchell. Special thank you to OSF Hospice and all the medical staff including Dr. Rajagopalan. Funeral service THURSDAY, Feb. 3, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, 112 South Cherry Street, Cherry Valley. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers memorials to: OSF Hospice or Boy Scouts of America.