John Phillip Mitchell

John Phillip Mitchell

March 18, 1946 - April 22, 2022

Send Flowers

Obituary

BROOKLYN - John Phillip “Jack” Mitchell was born in Kearney, Neb., to parents Merle and Mary Mitchell, and he passed away peacefully at home in Brooklyn, Wis., on Friday, April 22, 2022, surrounded by his loving family and faithful cocker spaniel, “Daisy.” As a lifelong green thumb and environmental advocate, Jack graciously shared his passion for gardening and ecology with many. Earth Day was his perpetual favorite. For many years Jack led groups of second graders in planting trees around Oregon, Wis., to celebrate the day. It is serendipitous that he left us late in the evening on Earth Day itself.

After graduating from Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo, Colo., Jack earned his master’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Throughout his 30- year career as a science teacher at Oregon High School in Wisconsin, Jack was well-known for inspiring students with hands-on learning and getting the very best out of athletes as a coach. The founder of the ECOS (Environmentally Concerned Oregon Students) Club at OHS, Jack mentored many youth to be stewards of the Earth. Overall, Jack worked tirelessly to make the Oregon community a better place.

When Jack spoke at his daughter’s wedding, he stated, “the most important thing in my life is my family.” While he touched countless lives as a devoted educator, coach, gardener, and environmentalist - his family was always his highest priority. Jack is survived by his wife of 50 years, Connie Mitchell; their two children, Chris (Amie) Mitchell and Michelle (Dean) Sweberg; and four grandchildren, Micah, Owen, Celia, and Oliver. Whether it was helping to design a chicken coop, cheering at a soccer game, going on tractor rides, or sharing his “lucky” fishing pole, Jack lived to love and support his family.

Jack is survived by his siblings, Gloria (Wayne) Mitchell-Brody, Corinne (Bill) Elliot and Jon (April) Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Tom Mitchell, Mary Lou Erickson and Theresa Mitchell. As Jack raised his own family, family vacations usually meant road trips to visit his parents or siblings to create bonds and memories.

With your generosity, Jack’s legacy will live on not just in the hearts and minds of those who knew him, but also in future generations through the Jack Mitchell Memorial - Environmental Scholarship Fund established by his family to support the ongoing environmental stewardship of students at Oregon High School. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack’s memory to the Jack Mitchell Memorial - OHS Environmental Scholarship Fund:  www.gofundme.com/f/Jack-Mitchell-Scholarship or by mail to Michelle Sweberg, 601 Cypress Way, Oregon, WI 53575.


Please join us in celebrating Jack’s life at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 408 N. Bergamont Blvd., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022. No formal visitation will be held. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service at the church at 12 noon. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515



Events

30
Funeral Service
Sat Apr 30, 2022 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
First Presbyterian Church (Oregon) • 408 North Bergamont Ave, Oregon, WI 53575
Get Directions
30
Luncheon After Service
Sat Apr 30, 2022 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
First Presbyterian Church (Oregon) • 408 North Bergamont Ave, Oregon, WI 53575
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of John
No photos of John have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
John
A
Ashley
Other •
Mr. Mitchell was an amazing teacher! You could tell he loved what he taught. He was patient and always seemed to have a genuine interest in each student for who they were. Our hearts go out to all of the Mitchell’s. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. The Earth day passing can not be coincidental. That is something to cherish for sure. <3 -Ashley and Brian Anderson
AD
Ann and Phil Dettwilet
Other •
We have wonderful memories of friendship shared with Jack, Connie, Dorothy, Rich, Chris and Michelle. The corner of our backyard met with the corner of Blacks, McGarys and Mandevilles and that spawned wonderful conversations, teasing, sports games and friendship. We have admired Jack’s environmental philosophy; he was a beacon in the field — a real mentor. Our whole family sends ((hugs)) and deep condolences to the Mitchell family.
GB
Grace Bandow
Other •
Mr. Mitchell was a wonderful science teacher. He helped me dissect a fetal pig in junior high school, and this undoubtedly helped shape my career in medicine. He was always cheerful and positive with his students, despite the fact that we were probably pretty challenging at times. He was a good, affable, nice person to be around and will be missed. I am sending my condolences to his family and my old friend, Chris. Grace Bandow
ET
Emily Tornow
Other •
Mr. Mitchell was a kind teacher who cared about his students and their success. He was very motivating in giving your all. He loved what he taught and it showed. My condolences to the Mitchell family.
KE
Kathy Esch
Other •
Planting trees with Jack was serious work. We planned and discussed the best varieties for the parks in Oregon. There are trees that will support the environment for hundreds of years because of his dedication and hard work. The trees make the parks look great, provide habitat and shade. Driving Hwy 14 past Oregon High School you will see trees planted over many years by Jack and his students. Every Oregon Village and Town Park has trees he had a part in planting. His impact on improving the health and beauty of the area is great. It has been an honor to work with Jack to make this positive lasting impact for the environment. My condolences to the family. Kathy E. Esch Des Moines, Iowa

Memorial video

Share memorial