Obituary of Alan L Mitchell

Alan L. Mitchell, 69, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2015 near his home in Bullhead City, AZ. He was born September 6, 1945, in Duluth, MN to Milton and Mary (Tomar) Mitchell. Alan was united in marriage to Barbara (Hjort) Mitchell in 1995. He graduated from Denfeld Senior High School in 1963 and then worked for US Steel through 1971. During this time he also worked as a US Merchant Mariner. He graduated from UMD with a Bachelor of Science degree with cum laude honors and a major in elementary education. He initially planned to become a school teacher in the Duluth area, but also applied to law school. He was accepted into William Mitchell College of Law just before finding employment as a teacher and decided fate was steering him to practice law. He graduated from law school in 1975 in the top third of his class and was immediately hired by the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office. Three years later he was elected as the St. Louis County Attorney by a significant majority and continued to serve in this position for 28 years, retiring in 2006. In 2008, he returned to work as the St. Louis County Administrator through the summer of 2009 when he retired again and moved to Bullhead City, AZ. In 2011, he began volunteering as a mediator for the Mohave County Justice Court and in 2012 became a Judge Pro-Tempore for the Judicial Branch of Arizona. Alan greatly enjoyed his work throughout his career and often dedicated long hours in order to help others in need. During his youth, he played high school basketball, football and intramural broomball. He loved working on cars and riding motorcycles. When he had children, he gave up riding motorcycles and spent his free time with his kids and playing softball with friends. After his children went to college, he immediately got back to his favorite hobby, riding motorcycles. He rode thousands of miles each year with friends and family traversing most of the United States, including Alaska. He looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren, swimming in the pool, going to parks and racing go-carts with them. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his wife working on the house, caring for their three dogs, and going to shows. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Leon, Milton “Bud”, and Gerrald “Jerry”. Alan is survived by wife, Barbara; sons Chris (Wendy) and Ryan (Shannon) Mitchell; brother, Dennis Mitchell; sister, Shirley Godfrey; grandchildren, Austin, Aliana, and Nixon Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews. Alan formed many outstanding relationships throughout his life and cared deeply for his friends and family. He was a generous person and always willing to provide assistance to those in need. He was a selfless father, a persistent and patient teacher, and a good friend. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 2 to 4pm on Thursday, March 26, 2015 in Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave. Duluth, MN. A reception will follow the gathering from 4 to 6pm in the American Legion Post 71, 5814 Grand Ave. Duluth, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to the American Cancer Society. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200.