L.E. "Rick" Mitchell

L.E. “Rick” Mitchell, 82

June 27, 1933-December 23, 2015

Jerome - L.E. “Rick” Mitchell, 82, of Jerome, passed away peacefully December 23, 2015, at home surrounded by family. Rick was born in Red Mesa, Colorado to Albert and Grace Mitchell. The family left Colorado and headed east making their home in Boone, Iowa. In 1950, Rick served his country and fought in the Korean War. Rick returned stateside after the war ended and wound up in Jerome, Idaho, where he met and married Millie McCoy.

Rick had a long career as a chef working in many different restaurants over the years. He even managed and owned a restaurant as well. His last place of employment as a chef was at China Village in Jerome. During his working years he also had other jobs such as hauling sugar beets, Kecks, Tupperware and Lamb Weston. Rick worked as a repairman for Lon McDonald before he retired.

Rick had many friends throughout his life. He called them all “Bud.” During retirement Rick and his Buds would meet at local diners like Choate’s for their coffee breaks.  Rick also had a unique pen and pencil collection with well over 10,000 pieces from all over the world. He had two custom made pencils that both stand over 5 feet tall.  He loved John Wayne westerns and he loved country music artists like Hank Williams and Marty Robbins. Rick was a caring, ornery man who helped many of his friends just as much as he pulled pranks on them. He had a wonderful sense of humor that he shared with everyone wherever he went. He will be loved and missed by many.

Rick is survived by his daughter Melodie (Randy) Friesen of Gig Harbor, WA; his grandchildren Shane (Natalie) Mitchell of Jerome; Rod (Sheri) Friesen of Jerome; Russell (Valerie) Friesen of Spanaway, WA; his great-grandchildren Jordan and Maddie Friesen of Spanaway, WA; and Kayna Friesen of Longmont, Colorado.  He is also survived by his brother Melvin Mitchell of Mason City, Iowa; his sister Elizabeth Stanfield of Boone, Iowa. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Millie Mitchell; his parents Albert Mitchell and Grace Mitchell Sinclair; his sister Jaunita Hayes of Boone, IA; his brother Harold Mitchell of Boone, IA; and his twin sisters Betty and Belva Mitchell of Red Mesa, CO. A memorial in celebration of Rick’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. , Friday April 1, 2016 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 South Lincoln, Jerome, Idaho. www.farnsworthmortuary.com