Ronald “Ron” Stephen Mitchell

Ronald “Ron” Stephen Mitchell age 90 of rural Harrison passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. Ronald was born January 12, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan the son of Arthur J. Kmieciak (Mitchell) and Lucille Mary (Gilling) Kmieciak. Mr. Mitchell graduated from Eastern High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1952. Soon after graduating high school, Ronald honorably enlisted in the United States Army/Airforce and served his country for ten years. Ron was presented with the distinguished Purple Heart for injuries sustained while serving his country in the Korean War. Ron met his future wife (Dr. Lisa Jaco DC) in 2002, and they were united in marriage on December 21, 2011.

Ron was an amazing human being, he touched so many lives with his kindness, thoughtfulness, and that big, beautiful smile that could light up the room. He was humble, yet confident, he was opinionated, but would listen to dissenting views, he loved with all his heart, and lived life to the fullest even through the tough years as his health declined. Ron loved the outdoors, he was an avid hunter, both with long-bow and firearms, hunting small and large game in the U.P and lower MI for many years with his friends and his hunting dogs. Later in life he gave up hunting, to become an appreciator of nature, he loved watching the birds at the feeder in the back yard from his recliner. He loved to tinker on projects in the garage, he was a jack of all trades and master of many, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or fabricate from left over parts and materials. He was meticulous, a perfectionist to detail on a project, he only wanted the best in everything he did, never settled for second best. He grew up around racing, his father started ARCA fan club in Detroit MI, and he became a fan of auto racing as a spectator and a participant. He raced for many years on the oval circuit after serving in the military. He would go to Daytona and Bristol and Talladega to watch races. He traveled the world during his military service living in England, and the Sudan, and swam in the Blue and the White Nile. He was the family dog whisperer, it didn’t matter how many dogs he had, they would all want to be on his lap, at the same time. He loved spending time with his family, especially his wife, they were inseparable, he was the driving force behind her practice in Clare in 2004 when they opened their own office. He ran the office and scheduled appointments and cut the grass and loved every minute of it. He took pride in everything that he did, from the smallest of tasks to the big projects, he gave it his all, 100% - like he lived and loved in his life.

Surviving Ron is his loving wife, Dr. Lisa Marie Jaco-Mitchell DC of Harrison, two stepsons, Jordon Jaco and his fiancé Danielle Anderson of Harrison and Juston Jaco of La-Jolla CA. Ron had three children from his first marriage of forty-six years to Patricia Ann (Taylor) Mitchell who preceded him in death in 1999. Karen and (Tony) Al-Hakim, Steven Mitchell, and Rhonda Mitchell. Eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one sister, Beverly Ann Mitchell-Pasko and husband Augustus Pasko Jr., plus many extended family members and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Rhonda Mitchell, his first wife and mother of his children, and one niece, Ehren Ann Shanahan.

Celebration of Life services and military honors for Ron will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the V.F.W. Post 1075-Harrison with Pastor Marion Hall officiating. Military honors will be presented under the auspices of the United States Army and V.F.W. Post 1075 Honor Guard. Ron’s family will receive visitors on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Memorial gifts in memory of Mr. Mitchell may be considered to: Dr. Lisa Jaco-Mitchell DC. To share an online memory or condolence with Ron’s family, please visit: www.clarkstocking.com. Arrangements for Mr. Mitchell are entrusted to Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, (989)539-7810.