William “Bill” Mitchell

William “Bill” Mitchell passed away peacefully at his home in Saukville, Wis., on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family. Bill was on dialysis due to kidney failure for nearly 10 years and fought the long, hard battle to spend as much time with his family as possible. He was 78 years old.

  Bill was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 3, 1946, the son of William and Dolores (nee Nault) Mitchell.

He attended local schools and graduated from Riverside High School, Class of 1964, before serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.

  Bill met Jolene “Jo” Michuda in June 1965 at Milway. They were united in marriage on July 27, 1968, in Milwaukee.

The couple settled in Oostburg on a 20-acre farm and started their family. They moved to Port Washington in 1978 after their second child was born. Bill and Jo moved to Saukville in 1998 after selling their home in Port and also purchased their dream cottage on Lake Hilbert.

  Bill worked at AO Smith/Tower Automotive for more than 30 years, and after he retired, he worked at Pick & Save in the produce department for another 10 years.

He loved his family, hunting, fishing and occasional trips to the casino. Bill enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball and soccer teams, deer hunting, spending time up north at the family cottage, watching his children and grandchildren at their various sporting events and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

  Bill was a thoughtful and faithful husband, a supportive and protective father  and a generous and hands-on Papa. He was a noble person and always did the right thing and encouraged his family to do the same. While on one hand he was quiet, on the other hand he made his important opinions known and was the stronghold for the entire family.

  He is survived by his loving wife Jo, their children Jennifer Rodgers of Pewaukee and Brode (Jennifer) Mitchell of Port Washington and four grandchildren, Jacob, Alexander, Landon and Aiden.

He is further survived by sisters Beverly (Paul) Polzin and Cheryl Martin, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his father William and his mother Dolores (the late Eddie) Brueckner.

  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington. Father Patrick Wendt will preside. The family will greet guests at the church on Friday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 5:45 p.m.

  Bill will be laid to rest with military honors the following day at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington.

  If desired, memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers.

Eernisse Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.