Ellis “Mitch” Merritt Mitchell, 73

Ellis “Mitch” Merritt Mitchell, 73, of Burlington, passed away at 8:23 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington. Cremation has been entrusted to Neptune Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Born March 6, 1947, in Eldora, he was the son of Fred R. and Elsie A. (Alexander) Mitchell. He was a 1965 New Providence High School graduate. He married Gail Nichols in 1968 and they later divorced. He then married Linda Jo (Kaeppel) Adams in 1977 in Evansdale.

Mitch spent numerous years in the Waterloo area working in finance. While there, Mitch was an active member of barbershop quartets as a bass. He then transferred to Burlington with Morris Plan Financial, where he stayed for six more years. Mitch later was employed and eventually retired from Presto-X, where he worked for almost 40 years in pest control management. After retirement, Mitch worked part-time at Burlington Care Center as a “jack of all trades.”

In his free time, Mitch enjoyed watching sports, gardening, fishing, and gambling. But above all, Mitch enjoyed golfing, especially with his son. Amongst his many talents were carpentry and woodworking. He took great pride in his fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens that he grew for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Linda Mitchell of Burlington; children, Hope Nichols Granata of Meriden, Conn., Adam (Lesley) Mitchell of Keokuk and Sara Mitchell of Des Moines; four grandchildren; two sisters, Jean Perry of Eldora and Lois Mitchell of Iowa Falls; two brothers, Glen (Judy) Mitchell of Pine Island, Minn., and Miles Mitchell of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents and a brother, Frederick.