St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 3252 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 US - Fr. Conan Mitchell OFM 1915-2009
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Fr. Conan Mitchell OFM 1915-2009 |
Fr. Conan Mitchell, O.F.M.
Fr. Conan Mitchell, O.F.M.
Father Conan Mitchell, OFM, 93, passed away Friday, March 13, 2009 at Golden Living Center-Court Manor here in Ashland. He was born July 13, 1915, the son of John Mitchell and Elizabeth Jacobinas. His birth name was Anthony, later changed to Conan after being received into the Franciscan Order. Fr. Conan had 10 brothers and sisters, of whom seven have preceded him in death: Joseph, Anne, Edward, John, Victor, Frank and Henry. He is survived by three sisters, Theresa Stroshane of Ashland, Helen Regan and Ruth Sukopp, as well as many nieces and nephews.
On Aug. 20, 1940, Fr. Conan made his solemn profession in Teutopolis, Ill., and was ordained a priest on June 24, 1943, also in Teutopolis. Fr. Conan was in parish ministry all his priestly life. For more than 50 years, he served in parishes in Chicago and Joliet, Ill.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Eureka, Mo.; Muskegon, Mich.; Jordan and Chaska, Minn.; and finally his home parish in Ashland. Fr. Conan had been residing in Ashland since 1991. Even after a stroke forced his retirement to Court Manor, he continued to say daily Mass there for several years. Fr. Conan will be remembered as a joyful person, grateful for all God’s blessings; for his deep reverence for Mary, mother of Jesus; as a follower of the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi and as an ordained priest dedicated to ministry. He never complained when a sick call came in and would leave immediately for the hospital or a person’s home when necessary. He was present at hundreds of liturgies, funerals and baptisms at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church over a span of more than 10 years. He was also a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and acted as chaplain for the group. He appreciated and encouraged the good works the Knights did in the parish and the community.
Fr. Conan will also be remembered for his dedication to Catholic education. Almost daily he could be seen visiting classrooms or the social hall when school was in session. Every month he would preside over a “Birthday Baptism” liturgy for children. Each year Fr. Conan would give second-graders preparing for First Communion a special gift of an angel figurine. He also started a penny fund which brought in several thousand dollars each year to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School. He was grateful that as a child, St. Agnes (the former name of Our Lady of the Lake until 1990) allowed his family to attend school even though they had little money. His penny fund was a way to show his gratitude. He could be seen in the social hall every Tuesday evening, collecting money for the special fund.
To many close friends, he was known as “Uncle Tony” or “Father Tony.” He was an avid fisherman who loved fishing on the “rippling waters of Chequamegon Bay.” Fr. Conan was an active letter writer; for many years he would send close to 600 Christmas cards and letters to friends and relatives. He enjoyed working crossword puzzles and spending time with his sister, Theresa.
A special thanks to Dr. A.A. Koeller and Dr. Cyndi Hart, the doctors and nursing staff at Memorial Medical Center, the administration and staff of Golden Living Center-Court Manor who gave Fr. Conan such wonderful care, and the many people who have been part of Fr. Conan’s life, especially over the last few years.
Visitation will be held Monday at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church from 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7:30. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. mass of Christian burial, followed by final prayers at St. Agnes Cemetery and lunch at Our Lady of the Lake’s social hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Support a Student Fund or to the Consolidated Education Fund for Our Lady of the Lake School. Fr. Conan had a special love for children and Our Lady of the Lake. Donations to the school may be sent to Our Lady of the Lake Church, 106 Second Avenue East, Ashland, WI 54806.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen.