Obituary of Joan Catherine Mitchell

Joan was born at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Queens, New York to Carl Frederick and Anne Erickson. She fondly remembered summers spent in Aquebogue, NY. Her father would make the weekly trek from the city to join the family, creating enduring bonds and joyful experiences that would shape Joan's love for family and the beach. She loved spending time with her sister and parents and always longed for the New York beaches.

Joan graduated from Hempstead High School and studied biology as a freshman at New York State University at New Paltz. She left college, got married, and traveled to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on her honeymoon. They had four children before they divorced.

Joan met Gary Mitchell. They were married August 22, 1969. Together, their blended family had six children. They moved to Gary's hometown of Calhan, CO where she learned to adapt to ranch life. She enjoyed waterskiing, playing cards, and attending Calhan dances. Joan and Gary spent many years attending their children’s ballgames, raising money for the booster club, and teaching 4-H knitting and sewing. 

Joan was a dental assistant in Calhan, then Colorado Springs. Patients loved coming in to talk with her before their visits. For years, Joan worked out at the YMCA embracing a healthy lifestyle. She battled Multiple-Sclerosis since her diagnosis in 1980, first with eyesight issues then difficulties with mobility. She worked hard to stay active and delay the inevitable wheelchair.

Joan and Gary moved to Colorado Springs in 2012. She spent her time reading, knitting, and tending to a garden every summer.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Gary Mitchell; their children, Dean Mitchell, Anne Marie Smith, Todd (Maryellen) Mitchell, Stan (Ruth) Wrobleski, Cindy (Kelly) McCrary, and Beth (Tom) Landry; her grandchildren, Tara (John) Vetterling, Andrew (Tasha) Smith, Jerad (Shannon) Mitchell, Jason (Holli) Mitchell, Justin (Karen) Mitchell, Luke Wrobleski, Wendi (Todd) Cofer, Kaeli (James) Rich, Jessica McCrary, Megan McCrary, Laura (Ryan) Ensminger, and Tanner (Jessica) Landry; her great-grandchildren, Porter Shipman and Elsie Vetterling, Bradley, Nora, and Colin Smith, Savannah, Bailey, and Marshall Mitchell, Lincoln, Loralye, Brooks, and Emmajean Mitchell, Amos and Navy Mitchell, Madison and Emily Wrobleski, Tait and Tinlee Cofer, Ruby and Leo Rich, Landry and Gunnar Ensminger, and Emersyn Landry; sister, Carol; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Brandon Mitchell.

Services, 10:00AM, Friday, March 22, 2024, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1450 5th Street, Calhan, Colorado 80808.