Kenneth Mitchell Obituary

Kenneth Ronald "Ronnie" Mitchell, 89, of Pecatonica, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026. He was a beloved husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, brother and friend, and his wry grin and love for family will be sorely missed.

Ronnie was born May 28, 1936 to the late Kenneth and Elizabeth Mitchell in Belle Center, Ohio, where he developed his affinity for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The family moved to Pecatonica several years later, and he graduated from Pecatonica High School in 1954. After serving two years in the United States Army, he returned to Pecatonica and met Linda Dirksen, his eventual wife of 67 years, at the Sugar Bowl, a local diner. They were married August 2, 1958 at the First Congregational Church of Pecatonica.

He helmed the "Pecatonica News" with his parents until their retirement in 1977. At that time, he became the sole-proprietor of Mitchell's Print Shop, a commercial printing shop in Pecatonica. He also worked part-time at Eickman's Processing Company until his eventual retirement.

As an active member of the community, Ronnie dedicated decades to the First Congregational Church, as a teacher and council member, and to the Village of Pecatonica, as a board member and volunteer firefighter. He was a proud 51 year member of Eugene J. Barloga American Legion Post #197 and a former board member of the Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery Association for over 20 years.

Ronnie's lasting legacy may very well be spearheading a trip to Chetek, Wisconsin. What began as a small family fishing trip in 1984 grew into a multigenerational tradition over the next 42 years. He took great pride in fishing, beating his family at cards, and serving brandy old fashioneds "as long as the porch light is on."

He is survived by his wife, Linda; four children, Brad (Lisa) Mitchell, Bruce (Becky) Mitchell, Laura (Jamie) Holub all of Pecatonica, and Todd Mitchell of Arlington Heights, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Greg (Heather) Mitchell, Doug (Cayla) Mitchell, Emily Mitchell, Brian (Kate) Mitchell, Scott (Katie) Mitchell, Andrew Holub, Cameron (Katelyn) Holub, Ella Mitchell and Ben Mitchell; 13 great grandchildren, Kennedy, Quinn, Brooks, Harper, Carter, Gia, Layla, Sophia and Jackson Mitchell, and Logan, Myles, Owen and Amelia Holub; sisters Dixie Sarver, Susie (Don) Johnson and Jo Dickinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law Abby (Rick) Lindquist and Queenie (Jerry) Cox; brothers-in-law Dick Sarver and Steve Dickinson; and daughter-in-law Michelle Mitchell.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026 at First Congregational Church, 633 Reed St., Pecatonica, Illinois, with Rev. Randy Nicholas officiating. A memorial visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service, Saturday. Cremation rites were accorded. Final resting place will be Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery.