Harold L. Mitchell
Obituary's Biography:
Harold L. Mitchell, 94, of Fox Lake, passed away on August 7, 2025 at his home. He was born on December 6, 1930 in Akron, CO to Ula and Millie Edwards.
Harold joined the United States Navy after high school and served proudly during the Korean War. After service to his country, Harold went to work for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad for 19 years. Harold then went on to work for the College of Lake County until he retired. In his life he became a master woodworker, often creating and carving items for anyone who asked. Harold was very passionate about his woodworking items and took much pride in the joy that these items brought to others. Based on his background Harold was excited about trains and model railroading for which he tooled many cars, accessories and people for his train sets. Harold loved watching football and was a proud fan of the Chicago Bears. While raising his family Harold and his sons joined the Boy Scouts for which he was very proud of being a Scout Master. Harold loved his home state of Colorado and enjoyed his many trips and adventures out west with his wife Grace.
Harold’s greatest love was for his family, for his dear wife Grace and for his family, for which he never failed to miss a family event and to be present in all of grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events. Harold loved his five boys and often spoke very proudly of them wherever he went. Harold was loved by many and never met anyone who did not like him.
Harold is survived by his wife, Grace; his children, Joseph of Caledonia, IL, Ronald (Mary) of Griswold, CT, Timothy of Zion, IL, James (Chrissy) of Fox Lake, Glen (Pamela) of Waseca, MN, Craig (Tammy) of Spring Grove, IL, and Pamela (Mark) of Naperville, IL; his grandchildren, Ryan (Angel) of Antioch, IL, Andrew of Zion, IL, Stephanie (Scott) of Kenosha, WI, Melissa (Steve) of Kenosha, WI, Joshua (Megan) of Kenosha, WI, Jessie of Caledonia, IL, Ronald (Jill) of Woodstock, IL, Angela (Victor) of Norwich, CT, Joey (Jennifer) of Norwich, CT, Chad (Tatiana) of Minneapolis, MN, Curtis (Kelsey) of Hanlontown, IA, Cassandra of St. Paul, MN, William (Tammy) of Mason City, IA, Amanda (Oscar) of Nashville, TN, Samantha of Des Moines, IA, Sierra of Waseca, MN, Danielle of Barrington, IL, Chris of Chicago, IL, Mariah of Fox Lake, IL, Justice of Fox Lake, IL, Rose of Naperville, IL, and Elizabeth of Naperville, IL; his 30 great-grandchildren; his brother, Lee Allen (Kitty) of Jacksonville, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Esther (Jim), Georgia (Frank), Robert (Janet), Alfred (Mae), and Wilma (Jim); and daughter-in-law, Dawn Mitchell.
A Funeral Service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11am. A Visitation will be held at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 10am until the time of the Funeral Service. Interment will be held at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville, IL. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.
To view live stream of funeral service click here: https://plan.passare.com/planner/encore/event/27448919
I had the pleasure of meeting ‘Uncle Mitch’ through my wife Laurie, one of his great nieces, on many, but not enough occasions. I remember the first time we met, we went to Grace & Mitch’s house along with our 3 kids. He spent the better part of two hours showing the kids the world he created around the working train set that he also built in his back yard (Dharma Faith had seen it and was excited for Lila and Dade to see it too), followed by a tour of his small but well equipped workshop. He inspired me to get into creating with my hands as well, which is a hobby I cherish today. He was always kind, patient, and happy. His presence lifted everyone around him and I am so thankful I had the chance to meet and visit him with Laurie. It was rare for much time to pass over the last 13 years before Laurie was telling another story about Grace and Mitch. <3
It was a honor having Mitch as my stepfather. Mitch was always there for my children and myself. I enjoyed the times we spent together and will always have him in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you Mitch.
I interacted with. “Mitch” for many years while at CLC he was a great guy, he always had time to say HI and answer questions. My condolences to his family and friends.