Charles Thomas Mitchell, 89, died on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at the Crawford County Hospital in Denison. He was born on Dec. 4, 1936, to Alfred and Evelyn (Koski) Mitchell on the family farm northwest of Dunlap in Crawford County. He walked a mile and a half each way to attend country school until 7th grade. Chuck then went to Dunlap High School and graduated in 1955. He worked for a couple years in Des Moines and Omaha, Neb. On May 20, 1956, Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Sally Davis, at the Methodist Church in Dunlap and earlier this year they had the honor of celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Chuck and Sally were blessed with four children, Randy, Judy, Scott and Patricia. The family lived northwest of Dunlap until 1968 when they moved to a farm outside of Dow City. Chuck was a multigenerational farmer, having been able to farm beside his dad and sons. He worked the land and livestock for 44 years, retiring in 2001. Chuck and Sally then moved to Dunlap into a house he was proud to help build.
Chuck was a member of the United Methodist Church. He served as a school board member and also on the co-op board. Chuck enjoyed hunting and fishing and reading newspapers and magazines. He and Sally had a garden at the house, and he enjoyed sharing that produce with others. Chuck enjoyed playing cards, notably euchre, and going to the casino, especially trips to Las Vegas. More than anything, he cherished family time. He loved cheering on his kids and grandkids at their sporting events and enjoyed any time they could all be together.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Robert Mitchell and Norma Sullivan; sister-in-law, Rosanna Mitchell; brothers-in-law, Leo P. Sullivan and Fritz Klein; and nephews, William Mitchell, Leo A. Sullivan, Craig Mitchell, and Roger Sullivan. He is survived by his wife, Sally of Dunlap; children, Randy (Nancy) Mitchell of Dow City, Judy (Jim) Gibson of Story City, Scott (Dina) Mitchell of Woodbine, and Patricia (David) Winterrowd of Battle Creek; 12 grandchildren, Jen Arkfeld (Andy), Mallory Dreier (Jacob), Megan Anderson (Matt), Josh Gibson (Jeri), Ashley Susin (Tanner), Mitchell Gibson (Anna), Maddie Mitchell (Gable), Jake Mitchell (Jess), Charlie Mitchell, Anna Winterrowd, Gabe Winterrowd (Aubree), Abby Winterrowd; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Klein of Dunlap; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Dunlap. Pastor Nikki Ahart presided over the service. Musical selections “Amazing Grace”, “Old Rugged Cross”, and “How Great Thou Art” were played by organist Deb Garrett. Chuck’s honorary pallbearers included Ashley Susin, Jen Arkfeld, Mallory Dreier, Megan Anderson, Maddie Mitchell, Anna Winterrowd, and Abby Winterrowd. Pallbearers included Josh Gibson, Mitchell Gibson, Jake Mitchell, Gabe Winterrowd, Charlie Mitchell, Andy Arkfeld, Jacob Dreier, and Matt Anderson. Chuck’s final resting place is at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dunlap.
Services entrusted to Fouts Funeral Home. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
