William Mitchell
September 15, 1930 - December 13, 2016
Obituary
MIDDLETON-William A. Mitchell, age 86, died on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, after a brief illness. He was born in 1930, to Cecelia and William Mitchell, and lived in Suring, Shawano, Richland Center, Middleton, and finally at Oakwood Village -West in Madison. Bill graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 1952, and began a career in education, teaching history, English, speech, and debate at Richland Center and Middleton High School, lasting 37 years. During this time he directed 19 plays and 13 musicals. He coached a winning Badger Conference debate team and also developed a championship forensic team at both high schools. Creative arts entered his life through ceramics, woodcarving, and oil painting during the eight winters he spent in Tucson, Ariz. At Oakwood he became a watercolorist and had a wide range of interests, participating in many activities. Survivors include his son, Dale (Andrea) Mitchell of Edgerton, and their daughter, Alyx; sister, Kay Cantwell of Oakwood Village West; dear friend, June Scott of Oakwood Village West; nephews, Tom Peterson of Napa Valley, Calif., and Mike Cantwell of Denver, Colo.; and niece, Mary Cantwell Schara of Verona. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois Mitchell; sister, Ione Peterson: and nephew, Steve Peterson. There will be a memorial service at OAKWOOD VILLAGE WEST RESURRECTION CHAPEL, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oakwood Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
Events
Memorial Gathering
Thu Dec 22, 2016 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Oakwood Village West Chapel • 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705
Photos
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Memories
LM
Lynn Malayter
Other •
Having taught with Bill at MHS, I remember he always had a smile for everyone. He was an outstanding English teacher who loved sharing his knowledge.
I am so sorry for your loss.
AS
Amy Smith
Other •
Mr Mitchell made an enormous and unforgettable impression on me. One day in class we had to give a speech. I got emotional during my speech as I was talking about something close to my heart. Some kids started to laugh. Mr Mitchell stopped them instantly and spoke about the courage it took to speak to a group of people about something with such passion. I have never forgotten that moment, and it gave me the strength to go on and do similar speeches throughout my life. He was a gem, a true gentleman. I will always be grateful he was my teacher. My heartfelt sympathies to his family. Rest in peace, good sir.
ME
Michele Perrin Ellefsen
Other •
Mr Mitchell was a great inspiration to me. To this day, I rarely get flustered when public speaking. He was a kind and compassionate man. He was my Com Arts teacher at Middleton High School.