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Garrett Cochran Mitchell, Jr., 102, of State College, and previously of Lock Haven, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at The Village at Penn State.
Born Aug. 3, 1922, in Williamsport, he was the son of the late Garrett Cochran and Grace Wilson Mitchell.
On Jan. 25, 1946, he married Laura V. Wellendorf, who preceded him in death on Nov. 3, 2023. "Alive in 45. Married in 46." High school sweethearts, they were married for 76 years. They loved playing Bridge, taking Elderhostel vacations, gardening and anything Penn State, especially football.
He is survived by his son, David G. Mitchell, and his wife, Lisa, of Bloomsburg; three grandchildren, Katheryn G. Boobar, married to Matthew, Vermont; Daniel G. Mitchell, married to Sandra, Butler; and Kevin G. Mitchell, and his partner, Jenna B. Paul, Catawissa: five great-grandchildren, Garrett C. Mitchell, Cooper D. Mitchell, Charlotte R. Paul, Sierra M. Boobar and Aspen L. Boobar.
His brother-in-law, Burnell "Pete" Carlson; nieces, Lianna Reynolds, and husband, Jim, and Burnetta Saulsgiver; a nephew, Jim Wellendorf; and best buddy Don Ace, "like a brother," also survive him.
In addition to his wife and parents, Garrett was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia.
Mitch graduated from South Williamsport High School and attended Lycoming College, previously known as Dickinson Junior College, playing football there.
He then served in the United States Army Air Corp. as a Captain, flying cargo over the Himalayan Mountains in Asia, the "Hump," during WWII.
After an honorable discharge, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University in Electrical Engineering, graduating in the Class of 1948.
He worked as a Plant Engineer for the Hammermill Paper Company for 37 years, retiring as the assistant plant manager.
He was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in State College, and St. Paul's Episcopal when he lived in Lock Haven. He was a Life Member of the Lock Haven Elks and Friends of Ross Library.
His favorite pastime was fly fishing. He also enjoyed playing tennis, especially on George Schrock's clay court. He loved woodworking, making beautiful cabinets for his family, wooden crafts and repairing many pieces of furniture with his friend "Ace" for friends at The Village.
In later years, he and Ace would have coffee every morning at five and discuss their plans for the day, as well as solve world problems.
Living such a full life of 102 years, Mitch had many stories to tell, writing some down in his memoirs, "Growing Up in a Small Town," "What Did You Do in the Big War, Gran?" and "A Creek Runs Through Me; Memories of a Fly Fisherman."
Mitch was a great friend, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and great-grandfather. In addition to family and friends, Mitch loved and appreciated the people who cared for him and the Village at Penn State, too numerous to name.
Although we miss Mitch so very much, we are so happy for his long, full life. He is a gem.
A Celebration of Mitch's Life will be held at The Village at Penn State Community Room at a later date to be announced.
Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery in Williamsport, Pa.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College.
Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.