On May 21, 2021 John F. Mitchell Jr. passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and children. A lifetime resident of Leavenworth, he graduated from Leavenworth High School ('61).  He attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Emporia State with a B.S. in mathematics that he put to use teaching at the same high school from which he graduated.

He married Margaret Becicka in 1964 and they spent the next 56 years together caring for 4 children and each other.  In 1970 John moved with the family to western Kansas and tried his hand at farming.  The combination of hard work and planning that comes with farming, along with the time spent outside suited him well.  He spent his days in the fields and his spare time building an entire house for the family.

In 1976 Missouri Valley Steel, a company his father owned with several partners, burned to the ground and John returned to help rebuild it.  He spent the remainder of his years in Leavenworth working on his house and garden, and serving his community as a member of the Waterboard, a volunteer at the homeless shelter, and on the St. Paul's Episcopal Church vestry.

He was always there to help mow a neighbor's lawn, fix a leaky faucet, or right a wobbly table.  Although he would consider his life unremarkable, he was remarkable to those who knew and loved him.  We will sorely miss his dry wit and genuine laugh.

He is survived by his wife, Maggie; his children, John, Maree, David and Meade; and  his 13 grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters, Midge Bigler, Ginna Harbison, and Nancy Martin.

Visitation will take place from 4:00-6:00 P.M., Wednesday May 26 ^th , 2021 at Davis Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Thursday May 27 ^th , 2021 at 11:00 A.M. Memorial donations may be given to St. Paul's Episcopal Church or the Leavenworth Public Library.