Samuel Johnson Mitchell

Samuel Johnson Mitchell Died February 17, 2024 Traverse City— Sam, was born October 4, 1934 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the youngest of three children and a bit of a “surprise!” He spent his childhood years in East Lansing and then high school years in Lansing, graduating from Lansing Sexton. Sam attended Michigan State University where he majored in business, after a two year commitment to the US Army. He met his bride-to-be, Karen Olson, on a blind date in Traverse City, and their spark-filled relationship continued at MSU, eventually living in married housing and having their first born, Linda, at the end of their senior year! They spent the next 62 years together, raising a loving family. After getting married in TC on a beautiful summer day with an outdoor reception behind the Park Place Hotel, Karen and Sam enjoyed their honeymoon in a family cottage on Lake Charlevoix. This began their love for northern Michigan which eventually pulled them “back home” in 1990. Sam began his real estate career with Chamberlain Real Estate in Birmingham, Michigan after they recruited him at a MSU job fair. Sam and Karen moved to Birmingham, where they raised their three children and made many lifelong friends. They were both very involved with the Birmingham Methodist Church, but Sam also found time to volunteer in a variety of places—including the Birmingham Optimist Club. He embraced the Optimist Creed which includes promises to “make all your friends feel that there is something in them” and “to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true” among many others. This attitude carried him well through life with his real estate career and many volunteer leadership positions. In 1970, he was recognized by Governor Milliken and presented a Governor’s Service Award. He down-played that event because Mother Waddles was also recognized that year and she was in a league of her own. Both Sam and Karen believed that all people should have equal opportunities and those of us who have been “privileged” have an ethical obligation to help those who need a hand up. Sam always found time for his love of sports, whether it was watching or coaching team sports or participating. He had a passion for running and exercise before they made decent athletic shoes, so consequently, he needed new body replacements as he aged. He never complained about his health and managed to bike and golf right up to his 89th birthday! Sam enjoyed people and loved to entertain. He was always experimenting with a new cocktail to try and did so until the end of his life. Sam and Karen built their “dream home” on Long Lake where they met many new friends, and entertained old friends; and hosted many family parties. Later, Sam and Karen bought a villa at The Villages, where they spent winters, enjoying golf, playing bridge with Traverse City friends, and meeting new friends from across the country and Canada. They eventually sold their Long Lake house and moved to a condo at Port of Old Mission, where they enjoyed their last years close to family, friends and their church, First Congregational, where they were married in 1958. Sam is survived by his three children: Linda Mitchell (Larry) Sommerville, Samuel J. (Beth) Mitchell, Jr. and Michael S. (Karen) Mitchell; Grandchildren: Mitch Sommerville, Katie (Aaron) Koronkowski, Karly Mitchell (Andrew) Hartwell, Maddie Mitchell, Abby Mitchell, Alex Mitchell, and Andres Mitchell; Great Grandchildren: Olivia Rose Koronkowski and Elyse Rae Koronkowski; and many loving in laws, nieces, and nephews, and extended family. Sam was proceeded in death by his parents, Katherine and James L. Mitchell and siblings James L Mitchell and Katherine “Kitty” Hagen, and his wife, Karen Olson Mitchell. A memorial celebration of Sam's life will take place at 2pm on Friday, August 16, 2024 at First Congregational Church. A casual, Celebration of his Life will also take place following the service at 3:30pm at Bowers Harbor Park. This was also Sam and Karen’s wedding anniversary. Green and White attire is encouraged. If you would like to make a memorial gift in Sam’s name, contributions are suggested to Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, First Congregational Church or The Optimist Youth Foundation of Traverse City. The family would like to thank the many “new friends” and helpers who provided such compassionate care for Sam in the final stages of his life: Comfort Keepers, Munson Medical Staff, French Manor Terra, and Hospice of Michigan. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Samuel Johnson Mitchell

October 4, 1934 - February 17, 2024