Robert E. Mitchell, age 93, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn, Wis. He was born June 4, 1917, in Elsberry, Mo., the son of Homer and Juanita (McCrary) Mitchell. Bob was married 52 years ago to his greatest love, Marion (Howe) of Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Surviving are his wife, Marion, of Lake Geneva, Wis.; two sons, Robert E. Mitchell and Scott J. (GiGi) Pregent; seven grandchildren, Robert E. (Julie) Mitchell II, Scott (Kersten) Rojas, Rick (Evelyn) Rojas, Corey Mitchell, Casey (Kyra) Pregent, Alexis Pregent and Tyler Krobetzky; and his seven beautiful great-grandchildren.
Bob served in the Navy during the 1930s and later enlisted in the Army, and was stationed in England. He served as a top turret gunner on a B-17. He completed 42 bombing missions in Germany before being discharged in 1945.
Bob and Marion enjoyed a wonderful life together, whether they were skiing and fishing at their home in Sun Valley, Idaho, or playing tennis, boating or enjoying friends and family at their annual jazz and Christmas parties at their home in Delavan, Wis. Bob enjoyed playing Santa during the holidays. Bob did this for 50 years, never missing an opportunity to go to the homes of neighborhood families, bringing smiles and joy both to the children and parents alike.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his two daughters, Jackalyn Rojas and Linda Krobetzky, and by his two brothers, Albert and Gene. Bob was a member of the United Church of Christ, where a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Memorials to Bob may be made to Aurora VNA Hospice, Lakeland Animal Shelter or the United Church of Christ in Delavan, Wis. Monroe Funeral Home in Delavan, Wis., is assisting the family. Visit us at www.monroefh.com.
