Dale Vance Mitchell

Dale Vance Mitchell, having just celebrated his 72nd birthday, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 7, 1951, to the late Gordon and Arlette (Krauklis) Mitchell in Wausau, WI. Dale graduated from Merrill High School before going on to further his education at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and earned his Master’s Degree in business administration from UW-Oshkosh. His career was spent working in administration and management for the family company, Mitchell Metal Products in Merrill, before retiring around 2009 as president of the company.

Dale met the love of his life and best friend, Susan Gutsche, while they attended Wheaton College together. Shortly thereafter, the two exchanged vows on July 28, 1973, in St. Paul, MN and recently, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family. Their relationship was one to be admired, as their love and friendship only continued to grow and deepen with each passing year.

Dale was a kind man; an incredible husband, father, grandfather and brother. He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them participate in all of their many activities. He was selfless and loving, a man of strong faith and was the rock of the Mitchell family. Dale will be missed beyond measure, but the memories of him will always remain. His steadfast presence in the Mitchell family can never be replaced.

Dale found joy in taking motorcycle trips with his wife and college friends, especially to Deals Gap and Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee and North Carolina. The friendships that Dale maintained throughout his lifetime were truly enviable and held a special place in his heart. To know Dale was to love him, and once a friend, forever a friend. From weekly gatherings with his coffee group, to regular visits and phone calls with his friends, they were a constant source of happiness and fulfillment in his life. Now in heaven, he can finally rejoin the friends he lost and looked forward to meeting once again.

Dale was always busy helping anyone and everyone he could, constantly looking for the next project to work on or assist with. In his downtime, he relished the peace and quiet of his home on Seven Island Lake, in the town of Harrison, and relaxed watching Nascar, car shows and Wisconsin sports teams. Dale soaked in the natural beauty surrounding his home, watching the eagles soar and listening to the loons on the lake.

Dale leaves behind his wife: Susan Mitchell, son: Clint Mitchell, daughters: Krista Mitchell and Kaitlin (Ransey Osness) Mitchell, beloved grandchildren: Eli, Keira, Kaela, DeAirus and Marquez Clerveaux and Izzy Osness and sister: Shirley Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandchild: Jacques Clerveaux and his best buddy: Buster.

The funeral service for Dale will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Highland Community Church in Merrill. Pastors Jeff Hinds and Dan Schields will co-officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Burial at Snow Hill Cemetery in the town of Scott will immediately follow the service.

Family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Wheat and Nurse Eva from the Aspirus Merrill Clinic for their compassion and care and to Pastor Dan Schields for his guidance and support during this time.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.