Paul L. Mitchell

Paul L. Mitchell November 7, 1964 (Marlette, MI) - August 15, 2024 (Otsego, MI) A life well-lived and filled with love.

Paul died peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family, exactly how he wanted it. A totally devoted family man, Paul’s loved ones feel a profound sense of loss, but also immense gratitude for the example he set everyday of how to live a life of love. 

Rita was the apple of Paul’s eye, the love of his life, his “princess”. Beginning as high school sweethearts, they spent 39 married years creating a beautiful life together. They loved to travel and explore new places, including nineteen U.S. and two Canadian National Parks. Shared sunrises on the beach in Hatteras, NC, and sunsets on Lake Michigan were their favorite moments that filled them both with peace. 

Paul was the best father a son could hope for, always leading by example with love, devotion and selflessness. He often chose to begin work at 4:45 am to ensure that he never missed an opportunity to coach or watch Ryan and Adam play sports or participate in afterschool activities. Paul’s words and actions as a dad modeled a legacy of love which shaped the lives of his sons. 

Paul was always a big kid at heart, easy-going and full of life. Family time gave Paul immense joy. He was a playful, imaginative, adoring grandpa who would do anything and everything to make his five beloved granddaughters laugh. He delighted in stories of his granddaughters’ latest antics, reveled in their accomplishments, and lovingly made sure there were always sweets to enjoy together. 

In addition to Paul’s devotion to his family and friends, he found joy in maintaining a well kept lawn, playing euchre, walking the beach in search of natural treasures, staying physically active, playing in the annual family Thanksgiving flag football game, devouring chocolate milkshakes and chocolate chip cookies, diligently researching picks for his fantasy football team, watching sports of all kinds, and cheering on his beloved Michigan Wolverines. 

Raised in the thumb, Paul was a 1983 graduate of Sandusky High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force soon after and proudly served his country for eight years, spending time in Columbus, MS, and Las Vegas, NV. Following his honorable discharge, Paul moved his family back to Michigan where he and Rita could raise their sons in a small town that allowed him to be active in his community. Paul’s strong work ethic led to a 29 year career working for Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Pump and Motor Division. 

Paul’s life was cut short too soon by glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer with no known cause and no cure. Throughout his battle with cancer, he was determined to do whatever he could to extend his time with those he loved. His family had to say their goodbyes as Paul’s favorite time of year was about to begin - fall and football season. His love and light will live on through the lives he touched. 

Paul is survived by his loving wife Rita (Kubik) Mitchell, sons Ryan (Amanda) Mitchell, Grand Haven, MI, and Adam (Carly) Mitchell, Royal Oak, MI; five granddaughters Claire, Vivienne, Nora, Marlowe and Eila Mitchell. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Doug (Tracy) Mitchell, London, Ontario, sister Suzanne (Bill) Schultek, Forsyth, GA, and many other close relatives. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Gary and Brenda (Smith) Mitchell, and grandparents Max and Dorothy (Manley) Mitchell, and Harry and Viona (MacAuley) Smith. 

According to Paul’s wishes cremation has taken place.

Arrangements have been made by Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Visitation at Winkel’s will be Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 3:00-6:00 pm.

 A Memorial service will be held at St. Margaret Catholic Church on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 11:00am. 

Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to GlioblastomaFoundation.org. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.