Kenneth "Ken" Richard Mitchell 1944 - 2024

MITCHELL

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen (email)
Date: 9/6/2024 at 22:49:54

Sioux City Journal
3 March 2024

In loving memory of Kenneth "Ken" Richard Mitchell:

Kenneth "Ken" Richard Mitchell, a man whose spirit shone brightly, bravely departed this world on February 23, 2024, after battling Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Born on July 12, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa, Ken's journey through life was marked by love, joy, and an unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest. It was in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he found not only a new home but also his soulmate, Janine "Jan," with whom he shared 36 years of love and devotion.

Music was Ken's passion from a young age. As a drummer and bass guitarist for local bands "The Castaways" and "Sundown" and later as the owner of "Dance to the Music" DJ, Ken's musical talents entertained many audiences. His creativity extended beyond the stage, as he dedicated himself to perfecting his artistic abilities and business acumen at Sioux City Stationery before venturing into entrepreneurship with PrintMart and Albuquerque Specialty Advertising in Albuquerque, NM.

Ken's love for people was made evident in his many years of dedicated community service. He was a Charter Member of the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club, President of the Albuquerque Kiwianas Club and served on the boards of the Lobo Club and Southwest Arts and Crafts.

Among his myriad achievements, Ken's greatest treasure was his wife, Jan. Together, they painted the canvas of life with loyalty, companionship, and shared adventures across the globe. They were blessed to share many years of laughter, love and friendship.

Ken embraced life with gusto, pursuing his passions with unwavering enthusiasm. He had a love for vintage cars and enjoyed collecting, refurbushing and driving them. He was a regular attendee at both local and national car shows. Always athletic, Ken was an avid runner, completing 13 half marathons. He loved to ski and delighted in the camaraderie of the Rocky Mountain Boys during their annual ski trips to Copper Mountain, Colorado. He found solace in the roar of motorcycles, the challenge of golf and the thrill of blackjack, all while brandishing his trademark smile.

With a quick wit and an infectious charm, Ken had an uncanny ability to light up any room. His genuine kindness, coupled with an endless supply of corny jokes and one liners, endeared him to all who had the pleasure of crossing his path.

Ken is survived by his wife Janine "Jan" Mitchell, his son Kenneth Mitchell, Jr (Melissa), grandson Jarad, and his daughter Stacy Lynn Mitchell. He is preceded in death by his father Virgil, mother Hazel, and brothers Sonny, Joe, Grant and Warren "Tubby".

A memorial will be held this spring in Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ken's memory with a donation to Hospice of Palm Beach County, whose compassionate care provided comfort during his final days. His memorial page can be viewed here. https://p2p.onecause.com/trustbridgememorials/memorial/in-loving-memory-of-ken-mitchell

Always the joker and making light of a very serious situation, he asked that his obituary end by saying if he owes anybody money, just send him a bill!