Gene Mitchell

Eugene “Gene” Francis Mitchell was born March 7, 1947, on the family farm near Winterset, Iowa, to Dale Leroy Sr. and Frances (Diehl) Mitchell. He began his education at an elementary school in Luther and graduated from United Community High School in Boone with the Class of 1965. Following graduation, Gene enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served as a Military Police Officer for his country until receiving an honorable discharge.

Later in life, Gene was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. He began his career as an automotive mechanic before working for John Deere in Ankeny. His work of selling and installing livestock waterers for Peterson Mgf. Brought him to Denison. He later chose the career as an insurance agent for Grinnell Mutual and served on the board for many years, serving the surrounding community as an insurance agent until retirement.

Gene was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. Throughout his life, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially bowhunting and fishing. He also had a passion for wildlife photography and loved muscle cars, racecars, and just about anything with an engine. Gene’s main hobby was amateur (HAM) radio with the callsign NØDQS. He traveled around the Midwest countryside in a homemade rig made using his brother’s 1985 diesel Blazer. He managed to talk to people all over the world and has walls full of postcards and awards for his accomplishments. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family.

Gene passed away surrounded by his family on May 31, 2026, at Accura Health of Cherokee at the age of 79 years, two months and 24 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dale “Leroy” Mitchell Jr.

Gene is survived by his children: Amy (Robert) Jepsen of Council Bluffs, Josh (Britt Wildman) Mitchell of Midvale, Utah and Alex (Stacy) Richards of Douds; grandchildren: Robert, Marisa, Camille, Asa, Grace and Addison; brother, David (Cherylin) Mitchell of Boone; nephews: Tim (Lori) Mitchell of Boone and Jake Mitchell; niece, Kristin Mitchell of Boone; friend, Linda Anderson of Truesdale; and many other family members and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Military Honors and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Fairview Cemetery in Madrid. Memorials may be directed to the family.