WAUNAKEE - Mitchell James “Mitch” Cords, age 30, of Waunakee, passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 2026, following a courageous battle with addiction. He had recently undergone intensive inpatient and outpatient treatment over the last four months, and was expected to complete the program on April 3, 2026. He had made significant strides battling this dreadful disease and was well on his way to a new chapter in his life.

Born on February 12, 1996, to Anthony J. “Tony” Cords and Kristie G. Cords (Gundrum), Mitch shared a birthday with his paternal grandfather.

Mitch attended Elvehjem Elementary School on Madison’s far east side through third grade and then continued his education in the Waunakee School District after the family relocated, graduating high school in 2014. Mitch was a good student. He had a skill of maximizing the results of his efforts.

An accomplished athlete, Mitch earned letters in football, basketball, and lacrosse. He advanced to the varsity level in football as a sophomore and lacrosse as a freshman. He earned all-conference honors and various team awards, but was best known for his work ethic and being a consummate teammate, always focused on accomplishing the team’s goals over his own.

Upon graduation, Mitch had opportunities to play football and lacrosse at the college level, but had enough of the wear and tear on his body. He chose to continue his education at UW-Eau Claire. He attended school there for two years, but realized he preferred hands-on work and grit over sitting in the classroom.

As such, he pursued physically demanding jobs at the Menards Distribution Center and Frank Beverage. He earned praise for his ability to do the job faster and quicker than others, continuously achieving top pick rate status at Frank. After a serious workplace injury, he pursued a sales job at The Tile Shop, where his natural ability to connect with people led to frequent recognition as one of the top salespeople of the district.

Mitch had a heart of gold and delighted in making other people happy. He could strike up a conversation with anyone thanks to his natural charisma, displaying this quality from an early age. He was very humble and never realized how much people thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him. They wanted Mitch as a friend, and he was genuinely interested in them as well.

Mitch was a terrific and caring brother, son, grandson, and father. He brought joy and levity with his cheerful smile and fun-loving spirit. He had an incessant desire for fun, creating games with his siblings from a young age. He was proud of his family members and always interested in their accomplishments and what they had going on in their lives.

By far, Mitch’s proudest achievement was his son, Bronson James. He loved his son like no other, and his son loved him. It was so heartwarming to see the two of them interact and have huge smiles on their faces. Bronson was a chip off the old block, exhibiting many of the same mannerisms. Watching Bronson run bow-legged with slightly pigeon-toed stride, was like seeing Mitch 26 years earlier.

Mitch leaves behind his cherished son, Bronson; girlfriend, Danielle; loving parents, Tony and Kristie; siblings, Jack, Alexis and Camilla; paternal grandparents, James and Patricia Cords; maternal grandparents, Gerald and Patricia Gundrum; aunts and uncles, Curtis and Rebecca Calnin, Jeff and Mara Gundrum, and Steve Gundrum; cousins, Lucas Maertz, Isabelle Gundrum and Nikolas Gundrum; and beloved dog, Willow.

It is our hope Mitch is remembered for the bright disposition and positive attitude he displayed. He had a zest for life and was supportive of everyone’s dreams and aspirations.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mitchell J. Cords Memorial Fund. The funds will go to a charity focused on addiction recovery to be named later in Mitchell’s honor.

A Funeral Mass will be held at QUEEN OF APOSTLES PARISH, ST. DENNIS CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, followed by a luncheon. We welcome family, friends and colleagues to share stories and memories of Mitch at his visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Mitchell James Cords

February 12, 1996 - March 28, 2026

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