Richard W. Mitchell

Richard W. “Dick” Mitchell 83, of Crystal, ND passed away peacefully at his home after a seven year long battle with Parkinsons, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Crystal United Methodist Church in Crystal, ND. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND.

 Dick was born February 16, 1941 in Grafton, ND to Richard J. and Sarah “Sadie” (Chapman) Mitchell. He joined sister, Mary Carlyn. He attended Crystal Elementary and High School, graduating in 1959. At the age of 16, he started farming with his father. He went on to attend ND State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, studying Farm Machinery Tech. Richard then returned to the family farm to continue farming with his dad. 

 On August 5, 1967, he was united in marriage to Shirley Lewis. Five children were born to this marriage, Connie, Richard, Melissa, Kari, and Katy, extended family Tomoe Nakamura, in Japan and Liv Kamfjord Hamar and Tove Lofthus both of Norway.

 Dick enjoyed threshing shows and spending time with family and friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, going out to Hulett WY and the Badlands. Dick was a member of the Grafton Pistol Club, North Dakota Shooting Sports Association, lifetime member of the Crystal Township, where he held various offices, a lifetime member of the NRA and the NE Pioneer Machinery Association. He was also a founding member of the Pembina County Historical Society-Machinery Division. Richard was an avid collector of guns and antique tractors, in later years he followed the tractor pulling circuit.

 Survivors include his wife, Shirley, children: Connie (Andy) Gustafson, Richard T. (JoAnn Trosen) Mitchell, Melissa Kilzer, Kari Mitchell, Katy (Ross) Johnson, grandchildren: Tom (Shelby) Mitchell, Lexee (Devin) Garberg, Briar Gustafson, Eryn, Liam, and Clay Kilzer, and Macy Johnson, sister, Mary Carlyn Mitchell Steffenson Smith.

 Preceding him in death were his parents, son-in-law, Jeff Kilzer, brothers-in-laws, Merlyn ‘Bud” Steffenson, Charles Lewis, Jerry Lewis, Roy Spiekermeier, and Glenn Fontaine.