Irene L. Mitchell, age 94, of Citrus Heights, CA, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System – Austin, MN. The funeral service will be at 2:30 pm on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN and will be officiated by Reverand Frank McKeehan, with a visitation one half an hour prior (2-2:30 pm). The interment will be in Carlston Cemetery in Carlston Township, Freeborn Co., MN.

Irene Lorraine Mitchell was born November 1, 1930 at home in Litchfield, Maine, to Willard and Ruth (Johnson) Lane. In 1939, the family moved to Gardiner, Maine into the home her dad had built. Irene enjoyed walks in the woods looking for wildflowers, climbing trees, and watching birds. She also enjoyed riding her pony, a true Cowgirl at heart. Irene graduated from Gardiner High School in 1948. While in high school she was involved in sports, Girls Glee Club, The Mixed Chorus, and the senior class play. After graduation, she took a job with New England Telephone Company as a switchboard operator.

In 1949, Irene and her friend Donetta decided to leave Maine and drove to California. Once there, she took a job at River Way Ranch (a dude ranch) in Three Rivers, CA. Irene’s job was helping cook and clean guest cabins. She also entertained the guests by singing Western songs. During her free time, she would ride the horses.

In 1950, Irene started working for Royal Globe Insurance in downtown San Francisco. January 1, 1951, she met a handsome soldier named Robert Mitchell, on a Greyhound bus. Robert was then shipped to Germany, so they kept in contact by writing letters. In 1952, Robert returned from Germany. Irene married the love of her life November 29, 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Glendale, CA.

During this marriage of 72 years, Irene moved over 20 times due to college, ranching, and Del Monte transfers. With every move, Irene would get involved in her new church and community and find herself a new job. Irene took each move with grace, and made sure her five children got involved with church, 4H, and other outside activities.

In 1969 came a big move, leaving CA and moving across the country to New Jersey. Robert moved ahead of the family to start work, leaving Irene behind to sell the house. Three months later when school was out, Irene packed up the house, loaded the car with a large tent, sleeping bags, and camping supplies, and the five children (ranging from 10 to 15 years old) for a three-week trip to New Jersey. During this trip, many state and national parks, monuments, and historical sites and plays were seen. Along with visiting relatives, horseback riding, and swimming.

After retirement, Irene spent time in Spain, China, and Zimbabwe, including some mission work. She also loved tending to her rose and flower gardens, bird watching, and hiking. Summers were spent pulling their camper to visit family and going to reunions. Irene shared her love for the outdoors not only with her children, but also with her grandchildren, taking each one for a one to two-week camping trip.

Irene will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She had told her family she felt very blessed in her life and has no regrets. May her grace, kindness, and hospitality be with you always.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents Willard and Ruth Lane; parents-in-law Ernest and Sarah Mitchell; siblings Virgina Layng, Margaret Linton, and Pete Lane; and grandson Philip Andrew Mitchell.

Irene is survived by her husband Robert E. Mitchell, children Betty Jo (Don) Gish, Lloyd (Helen) Mitchell, Shari (Dave) Petersen, Shirley (Dean) Dahlberg, and Robin (Fred) Weigel; along with 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.