Maurice Lester Mitchell age 91 of rural Westbrook passed away Saturday, October 04, 2014 at the Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday at the Westbrook Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Interment is in the Westbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent via www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Maurice, the youngest son of Martha (Mischke) & Alexander Mitchell was born August 6, 1923 on the family farm in Rosehill Township, Cottonwood County, MN. He attended District 51 for his first eight years of education, and graduated from Westbrook High School with the class of 1941. His graduation gift was a trip to Itasca State Park with his sisters. Maurice remained on the family farm. When he married Hilda Brandt on August 15, 1953, his parents retired from the farm and moved into Westbrook. Maurice built a herd of Shorthorn cattle with his brother Chester and expanded the farm from its original 80 acres, when nearby farms were available for sale. Maurice and Hilda were members of Trinity Lutheran Church and were active with youth groups. He also worked with the FFA and 4H program for many years, and served on the Cottonwood County Fair Board, and the Cottonwood County Cattlemen’s Association. Maurice loved the land and cattle farming. He often went on cattle buying trips. In the 1972-73 school year, they hosted exchange student Simon Atanasov from Yugoslavia. In 1973, they were presented the WCCO “Good Neighbors” award, and Minnesota’s Outstanding Purebred Cattleman. For many years Maurice hosted the Beef Royale Live Show event at their Double M Ranch.
Maurice is survived by nieces and nephews: Marlo (Elaine) Lindstrom of Westbrook, Sandra (Larry) Eisfeld of Hadley, Joan (James) Anderson of Mitchell, SD, Lyn Parrott of Portland, OR, Marcia (Van) Johnson of Jackson, Kent Refsal (Judy Marteniuk) of Laingsburg, MI, Jeannie Franceus of Wessington Springs, SD, Nancy Gertner (Paul Maggitti) of St. Louis Park, & Todd Refsal of Edina; brother in law Elmer (Wanda) Brandt of Westbrook; special friend Ruth Lidtke Bevier of Westbrook; and many grandnieces and nephews, great great grandnieces, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Hilda in 2001, sisters: Clara & Elsie Mitchell, Alice Lindstrom, Flossie Gertner, & Viola Refsal, brother Chester Mitchell, infant sisters Lorraine & Myrtle, nephews Jay Lee Mitchell & Jeffrey Lindstrom and niece Carol Kay Mitchell Hudson Trott.
So sorry to hear of the passing of a great guy Maurice! He truly will be missed by many and a great example of a good cattleman. Rest in peace Maurice and take good care of the green pastures and the cattle up in heaven. Sue Larsen
I have known Maurice (and Hilda) all my life. They were a big influence to my family and to the neighborhood. Our family always had a friendly batter with Maurice. He raised Shorthorns and we raised Angus. Of course, Maurice always won the competitions. Maurice was well respected in the community. He will be greatly missed.
We will miss Maurice so much, and are thankful for his 91 years of life. He was so giving and sharing, and loved living on the Ranch where he was born.
Maurice will always be remembered as one of the best rancher and friends I could have had. He had brought joy to my family as well as my Great-grandmother Ruth. I will never forget you Maurice, I will miss you greatly and think of all of the great memories we have shared. Rest in peace.
Maurice and Hilda were such a significant part of my childhood: Shorthorn cattle, 4th of July fireworks, judging team practices, 4-H cattle, caroling at their home on Christmas one year, Grandpa and Grandma Rupp going their home for card parties until the wee hours of the morning, and always good food, big hugs, warm welcome, and plenty of jokes and smiles. They were both true assets to the community and to my life. God Bless the Memory of Maurice (and Hilda) Mitchell.
Uncle Maurice, our family is thankful for many happy memories experienced with you and Aunt Hilda at the ranch. You always had time for family, and made each of us feel special. You were a kind, generous and gracious man. We will miss you. We love you to the moon and back. May you rest in peace.
Mitchell Family; what a loss for you and the area, I appreciated all of the support he gave to the Cottonwood Cattle Producers and the youth of the area. Maurice will truly be missed.
To the entire Mitchell Family: Deepest Sympathy on the passing of a great man and great cattleman. We are grateful for all of the years associated with him as fellow local cattleproducers and the use of his beautiful ranch all the years he hosted our live Beef Royale show! God Bless Maurice.