Daniel Mitchell
November 8, 1957 ~ February 26, 2013
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Daniel Lee “Pops” Mitchell, 55, of Onida, passed away into his families heavenly arms Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2013 at St. Liborius Catholic Church, Polo with Father Chester Murtha officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Polo. Visitation with family present was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2013 at Reck Funeral Home in Miller.
Dan was born November 8, 1957 to James and Warda (Kay) Mitchell in Miller, South Dakota. He attended grade school in Miller and high school in Polo. After high school, he attended a welding program through Huron Technical School and he also attended Northern State University.
As a young boy, he loved to swim and ride his bicycle. He played baseball and was a good short-stop who always had a good hustle! He loved all sports, especially basketball and football. He loved playing and watching both of these sports and he was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He loved reading and anything to do with history. He especially loved small fast convertibles of which he had many!
Dan worked at the family business, the Miller Tire Shop, and then spent 16 years working for OK Tire in Aberdeen. His years of experience and knowledge of tires gave Dan the reputation of being one of the best and fastest tire men around. He was presently employed at Lamb Motors in Onida and loved working there.
Dan is survived by his son: Alex of Aberdeen; his ex-wife: Debbie Mitchell (who he married in 1978); father, James Ortmeier of Polo; brothers: Mike Mitchell of Rapid City, Jeff (Patti) Mitchell of Aberdeen, Doc Mitchell of Sioux Falls, Christopher Mitchell of Kansas City, KS and Jim Ortmeier of Polo; sisters: Cathleen (Curtis) Walker of Aberdeen and Betty Jean Mitchell of Sioux Falls; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews and a special great niece, Lauren Kay Mitchell, who was born on Dan’s birthday, which was also the day his cancer was diagnosed.
Preceding Dan in death were his parents: Jim Mitchell and Warda Kay Mitchell Ortmeier; maternal and paternal grandparents; and brother, Jimmy.
Dan will always be remembered as a man who would give you the shirt off of his back and always had a smile on his face. He loved life. Rest easy, Dan!
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Dan Mitchell Fund, c/o BankWest, PO Box 225, Onida, SD 57564.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Dan’s arrangements.
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Dear Mitchell/Ortmeier families,
Our heartfelt sympathy as you cherish your memories of Dan and how he touched each and everyone of you AND a whole lot of other people in many places, during his 55 years. It is sad to have Dan’s life cut short but he’s free again to be our ‘Dan the Man’ with lots of other family and friends where cancer doesn’t rule. Dan was always special to us. Know you are in our love & thoughts & prayers.
The J & J Schaefers family.
I don’t have the words to express how sorry I was to hear of Dan’s passing. I had the great fortune of working with Dan years ago on a job, all he could think about was how to help the others around him. He truly was a kind and generous man.
So sorry to hear of Danny’s sudden passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy my thoughts and prayers to you and your family..God Bless .Rosie Larson
Dan’s obituary says it all! For as onery as he was when he was little, he sure turned out to be a wonderful man! He always greeted you with a friendly smile and some witty words of wisdom! Just doesn’t seem possible that he went so quickly. Rest in peace Dan. You will be missed by all who knew you…
My deepest sympathy is extended to all of Dan’s family. Dan was a special person and friend,he always had a smile. May God comfort you in this difficult time. God Speed
To Dan’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. May he rest in peace!
Deb (Sprenger) Peterson
I knew Dan for many years. He was on the 2nd dart team I was ever on. Such a fun person to be around! Lost track of him a few years ago and ran into him at St Lukes less than a month ago. I was at the wrong hospital looking for my dads room. I stopped and spoke briefly with him and it was as if time stood still. Like he wasn’t even sick and happy go lucky as ever. Gonna miss you buddy. See you on the other side someday.
i met Dan years ago through OK Tire…he was always very kind and efficient. Later, I would cross paths with him and his little sports car and share conversation. Mike, I will always remember your brother as a lively, spirited and loyal friend. May he rest in peace.
I want to express my deepest sympathies to the Mitchell family. I grew up with Dan and always appreciated his enthusiasm for life. It was always a pleasure to see him and talk with him. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Known Dan for quite a few years. When Dan worked at O.K. Tire he was always there to wait on you. He did some tree work for us but mostly lately he would come into the Palm Garden Cafe and we would talk. Good guy, will be missed
While I did not know Pops personally, my parents and son thought the world of him. He will be missed by many people. May you find peace in knowing he is no longer in pain.
Vicki & Kenden
We were very saddened to hear about Dan’s passing. I met Dan through his best friend Joe Swanson. Dan always had a Smile on his face. Tj wanted me to add in here that Dan was a wonderful person who was there for him when Joe had passed and the good times that the two of them had. May you RIP Dan… Tell Joe hi for us
The Barnes’
We would like to express our sympathy to all of Dan’s family. We were happy for time we were able to spend with him when we were back for Dad’s funeral. Our prayers are with all those Blessed by knowing Dan.
Dan was my first and best friend when I lived in Miller. I’m devastated to learn of his passing, but am lifted by the memories of all the great times we shared together, long walks and talks, many pranks, much beer-fueled fun! I loved him and Mike like family and adored his Mom. Dan literally saved my experience in Miller, which was very challenging due to family difficulties. He and his family became my own. A great man and friend.