Gero Eldon Mitschelen -
September 19, 1934 ~ November 11, 2014
Gero Eldon Mitschelen lost his brave battle with cancer November 11, 2014. He was at home with his wife at his side. Gero was born September 19, 1934, in Noble Township, Branch County, MI, to Levi and Emily Genevieve (Warner) Mitschelen. He was raised on the farm that had been in his family since 1855. He attended Hickory Corners, a one room, one teacher, brick school for eight years, then went to Bronson High School, where he graduated in 1952. Following high school, he attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Forestry in 1957. While in college, he took part in the Pistol Team, Fencing Team, and Promenader’s Square Dance Club. He also worked for MSU campus police and the horticulture greenhouse.
Gero began his career with the United States Forest Service at the Early Winters District in Mazama, WA, in June, 1957. In September of 1957, he was drafted into the Army and, following basic training at Fort Benning, GA, spent 16 months in Swinefort, Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he resumed his employment with the forest service in Tonasket, WA. In September 1961, he returned to Michigan State University for additional forestry classes and, while there, met the love of his life, Margaret Sue Coddington. Gero returned to Tonasket in January, 1962, and carried on a romance by mail. Gero and Margaret were married on March 18, 1962, in Howell, MI. They lived in Ellisforde, WA in a small, one room cabin for most of the first year of their marriage. In late October, 1962, Gero was sent to Reedsport, OR, to assist with salvage sales, following the Columbus Day storm that took down many trees. They returned to Tonasket in February, 1963. Their son, Joe, was born there on March 14, 1963. At that time, they were living in a mobile home on the Earl Longanecker orchard, south of town. In August, 1965, they moved back to Howell, MI, so Margaret could return to college. Gero worked various jobs, including at the Kroger grocery store and Livingston County Public Works Road Department. He also attended college part time. In April, 1968, Gero and his family moved to Cottage Grove, OR, where Gero began work with the Direna Seed Orchard. He worked at that job until January, 1969, when they moved to Okanogan, WA, to stay. He did surveying with Pete Soderberg and worked other part time jobs planting orchards, until he could return full time with the forest service. He worked for the forest service for over 20 years, until his retirement in 1985. In 1970, they purchased 20 acres of land near Malott, WA, where he began planting his own orchard and building a home. Both projects progressed as money was available. Eventually, the home was completed and approximately 16 acres of orchard was planted.
While serving in Germany, Gero was able to do some traveling around Europe. He visited Italy, Austria, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and San Marino. At various other times in his life, he also traveled in Mexico, Canada, England, Scotland, and Wales. He visited his first World’s Fair in Brussels. Later, he and Margaret attended World’s Fairs in Seattle; New York City; Montreal, Canada; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Spokane. Gero and his family did a great deal of traveling in the United States as well. Extended family lived in Michigan, so frequent trips were made there. They eventually traveled to all 50 states, all by auto, except Hawaii and Alaska. Gero enjoyed photography and took thousands of pictures during his travels. He developed his own film and printed his pictures for many years. Gero also enjoyed hunting and target practice and belonged to the Omak Fish and Game Club, and Okanogan Gun Club. For many years, he shot on the .22 pistol team at Omak. He has been a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association for over 50 years. Gero was a longtime member of the Okanogan County Genealogical Society, where he served as treasurer for several years. He was an active member of the Okanogan County Historical Society, where he served as president for four years, and also was awarded “Pioneer of the Year” in 2008. He has been a trustee for many years. Other activities he took part in included the Caribou Trails Gem and Mineral Club, Boy Scout Troop 20 Committee Chairman and active parent support for his son, Joe. He was an active board member and supporter of Community Concerts and Premier Performance.
Family was most important to Gero and he spent as much time as possible with them. Activities were always planned around his immediate family, which may have been small, but always came first. He spent a great deal of time with his son and grandsons, both having fun and trying to instill a strong work ethic. He visited extended family in Michigan, Indiana, and other states as often as he could and spent a great deal of time learning family history and sharing it with others.
Gero is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Teri (Joe); grandsons, Brady and Dakota; his niece, Audrey Raden, husband, Richard, and two children, Billie Sue and Christopher, all of Michigan; brothers-in-law, Harold Coddington (Helen) of Tennessee and Russell Coddington (Doris) of Michigan; as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi (1980) and Genevieve (1972); his older brother, Dale Boltis Mitschelen (1969); his nephew, Allan Mitschelen (2012); and his son, Joe Karl Mitschelen (May 22, 2009).
September 19, 1934 ~ November 11, 2014
Gero Eldon Mitschelen lost his brave battle with cancer November 11, 2014. He was at home with his wife at his side. Gero was born September 19, 1934, in Noble Township, Branch County, MI, to Levi and Emily Genevieve (Warner) Mitschelen. He was raised on the farm that had been in his family since 1855. He attended Hickory Corners, a one room, one teacher, brick school for eight years, then went to Bronson High School, where he graduated in 1952. Following high school, he attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Forestry in 1957. While in college, he took part in the Pistol Team, Fencing Team, and Promenader’s Square Dance Club. He also worked for MSU campus police and the horticulture greenhouse.
Gero began his career with the United States Forest Service at the Early Winters District in Mazama, WA, in June, 1957. In September of 1957, he was drafted into the Army and, following basic training at Fort Benning, GA, spent 16 months in Swinefort, Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he resumed his employment with the forest service in Tonasket, WA. In September 1961, he returned to Michigan State University for additional forestry classes and, while there, met the love of his life, Margaret Sue Coddington. Gero returned to Tonasket in January, 1962, and carried on a romance by mail. Gero and Margaret were married on March 18, 1962, in Howell, MI. They lived in Ellisforde, WA in a small, one room cabin for most of the first year of their marriage. In late October, 1962, Gero was sent to Reedsport, OR, to assist with salvage sales, following the Columbus Day storm that took down many trees. They returned to Tonasket in February, 1963. Their son, Joe, was born there on March 14, 1963. At that time, they were living in a mobile home on the Earl Longanecker orchard, south of town. In August, 1965, they moved back to Howell, MI, so Margaret could return to college. Gero worked various jobs, including at the Kroger grocery store and Livingston County Public Works Road Department. He also attended college part time. In April, 1968, Gero and his family moved to Cottage Grove, OR, where Gero began work with the Direna Seed Orchard. He worked at that job until January, 1969, when they moved to Okanogan, WA, to stay. He did surveying with Pete Soderberg and worked other part time jobs planting orchards, until he could return full time with the forest service. He worked for the forest service for over 20 years, until his retirement in 1985. In 1970, they purchased 20 acres of land near Malott, WA, where he began planting his own orchard and building a home. Both projects progressed as money was available. Eventually, the home was completed and approximately 16 acres of orchard was planted.
While serving in Germany, Gero was able to do some traveling around Europe. He visited Italy, Austria, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and San Marino. At various other times in his life, he also traveled in Mexico, Canada, England, Scotland, and Wales. He visited his first World’s Fair in Brussels. Later, he and Margaret attended World’s Fairs in Seattle; New York City; Montreal, Canada; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Spokane. Gero and his family did a great deal of traveling in the United States as well. Extended family lived in Michigan, so frequent trips were made there. They eventually traveled to all 50 states, all by auto, except Hawaii and Alaska. Gero enjoyed photography and took thousands of pictures during his travels. He developed his own film and printed his pictures for many years. Gero also enjoyed hunting and target practice and belonged to the Omak Fish and Game Club, and Okanogan Gun Club. For many years, he shot on the .22 pistol team at Omak. He has been a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association for over 50 years. Gero was a longtime member of the Okanogan County Genealogical Society, where he served as treasurer for several years. He was an active member of the Okanogan County Historical Society, where he served as president for four years, and also was awarded “Pioneer of the Year” in 2008. He has been a trustee for many years. Other activities he took part in included the Caribou Trails Gem and Mineral Club, Boy Scout Troop 20 Committee Chairman and active parent support for his son, Joe. He was an active board member and supporter of Community Concerts and Premier Performance.
Family was most important to Gero and he spent as much time as possible with them. Activities were always planned around his immediate family, which may have been small, but always came first. He spent a great deal of time with his son and grandsons, both having fun and trying to instill a strong work ethic. He visited extended family in Michigan, Indiana, and other states as often as he could and spent a great deal of time learning family history and sharing it with others.
Gero is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Teri (Joe); grandsons, Brady and Dakota; his niece, Audrey Raden, husband, Richard, and two children, Billie Sue and Christopher, all of Michigan; brothers-in-law, Harold Coddington (Helen) of Tennessee and Russell Coddington (Doris) of Michigan; as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi (1980) and Genevieve (1972); his older brother, Dale Boltis Mitschelen (1969); his nephew, Allan Mitschelen (2012); and his son, Joe Karl Mitschelen (May 22, 2009).
Gero Eldon Mitschelen -
September 19, 1934 ~ November 11, 2014
Gero Eldon Mitschelen lost his brave battle with cancer November 11, 2014. He was at home with his wife at his side. Gero was born September 19, 1934, in Noble Township, Branch County, MI, to Levi and Emily Genevieve (Warner) Mitschelen. He was raised on the farm that had been in his family since 1855. He attended Hickory Corners, a one room, one teacher, brick school for eight years, then went to Bronson High School, where he graduated in 1952. Following high school, he attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Forestry in 1957. While in college, he took part in the Pistol Team, Fencing Team, and Promenader’s Square Dance Club. He also worked for MSU campus police and the horticulture greenhouse.
Gero began his career with the United States Forest Service at the Early Winters District in Mazama, WA, in June, 1957. In September of 1957, he was drafted into the Army and, following basic training at Fort Benning, GA, spent 16 months in Swinefort, Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he resumed his employment with the forest service in Tonasket, WA. In September 1961, he returned to Michigan State University for additional forestry classes and, while there, met the love of his life, Margaret Sue Coddington. Gero returned to Tonasket in January, 1962, and carried on a romance by mail. Gero and Margaret were married on March 18, 1962, in Howell, MI. They lived in Ellisforde, WA in a small, one room cabin for most of the first year of their marriage. In late October, 1962, Gero was sent to Reedsport, OR, to assist with salvage sales, following the Columbus Day storm that took down many trees. They returned to Tonasket in February, 1963. Their son, Joe, was born there on March 14, 1963. At that time, they were living in a mobile home on the Earl Longanecker orchard, south of town. In August, 1965, they moved back to Howell, MI, so Margaret could return to college. Gero worked various jobs, including at the Kroger grocery store and Livingston County Public Works Road Department. He also attended college part time. In April, 1968, Gero and his family moved to Cottage Grove, OR, where Gero began work with the Direna Seed Orchard. He worked at that job until January, 1969, when they moved to Okanogan, WA, to stay. He did surveying with Pete Soderberg and worked other part time jobs planting orchards, until he could return full time with the forest service. He worked for the forest service for over 20 years, until his retirement in 1985. In 1970, they purchased 20 acres of land near Malott, WA, where he began planting his own orchard and building a home. Both projects progressed as money was available. Eventually, the home was completed and approximately 16 acres of orchard was planted.
While serving in Germany, Gero was able to do some traveling around Europe. He visited Italy, Austria, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and San Marino. At various other times in his life, he also traveled in Mexico, Canada, England, Scotland, and Wales. He visited his first World’s Fair in Brussels. Later, he and Margaret attended World’s Fairs in Seattle; New York City; Montreal, Canada; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Spokane. Gero and his family did a great deal of traveling in the United States as well. Extended family lived in Michigan, so frequent trips were made there. They eventually traveled to all 50 states, all by auto, except Hawaii and Alaska. Gero enjoyed photography and took thousands of pictures during his travels. He developed his own film and printed his pictures for many years. Gero also enjoyed hunting and target practice and belonged to the Omak Fish and Game Club, and Okanogan Gun Club. For many years, he shot on the .22 pistol team at Omak. He has been a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association for over 50 years. Gero was a longtime member of the Okanogan County Genealogical Society, where he served as treasurer for several years. He was an active member of the Okanogan County Historical Society, where he served as president for four years, and also was awarded “Pioneer of the Year” in 2008. He has been a trustee for many years. Other activities he took part in included the Caribou Trails Gem and Mineral Club, Boy Scout Troop 20 Committee Chairman and active parent support for his son, Joe. He was an active board member and supporter of Community Concerts and Premier Performance.
Family was most important to Gero and he spent as much time as possible with them. Activities were always planned around his immediate family, which may have been small, but always came first. He spent a great deal of time with his son and grandsons, both having fun and trying to instill a strong work ethic. He visited extended family in Michigan, Indiana, and other states as often as he could and spent a great deal of time learning family history and sharing it with others.
Gero is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Teri (Joe); grandsons, Brady and Dakota; his niece, Audrey Raden, husband, Richard, and two children, Billie Sue and Christopher, all of Michigan; brothers-in-law, Harold Coddington (Helen) of Tennessee and Russell Coddington (Doris) of Michigan; as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi (1980) and Genevieve (1972); his older brother, Dale Boltis Mitschelen (1969); his nephew, Allan Mitschelen (2012); and his son, Joe Karl Mitschelen (May 22, 2009).
September 19, 1934 ~ November 11, 2014
Gero Eldon Mitschelen lost his brave battle with cancer November 11, 2014. He was at home with his wife at his side. Gero was born September 19, 1934, in Noble Township, Branch County, MI, to Levi and Emily Genevieve (Warner) Mitschelen. He was raised on the farm that had been in his family since 1855. He attended Hickory Corners, a one room, one teacher, brick school for eight years, then went to Bronson High School, where he graduated in 1952. Following high school, he attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Forestry in 1957. While in college, he took part in the Pistol Team, Fencing Team, and Promenader’s Square Dance Club. He also worked for MSU campus police and the horticulture greenhouse.
Gero began his career with the United States Forest Service at the Early Winters District in Mazama, WA, in June, 1957. In September of 1957, he was drafted into the Army and, following basic training at Fort Benning, GA, spent 16 months in Swinefort, Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he resumed his employment with the forest service in Tonasket, WA. In September 1961, he returned to Michigan State University for additional forestry classes and, while there, met the love of his life, Margaret Sue Coddington. Gero returned to Tonasket in January, 1962, and carried on a romance by mail. Gero and Margaret were married on March 18, 1962, in Howell, MI. They lived in Ellisforde, WA in a small, one room cabin for most of the first year of their marriage. In late October, 1962, Gero was sent to Reedsport, OR, to assist with salvage sales, following the Columbus Day storm that took down many trees. They returned to Tonasket in February, 1963. Their son, Joe, was born there on March 14, 1963. At that time, they were living in a mobile home on the Earl Longanecker orchard, south of town. In August, 1965, they moved back to Howell, MI, so Margaret could return to college. Gero worked various jobs, including at the Kroger grocery store and Livingston County Public Works Road Department. He also attended college part time. In April, 1968, Gero and his family moved to Cottage Grove, OR, where Gero began work with the Direna Seed Orchard. He worked at that job until January, 1969, when they moved to Okanogan, WA, to stay. He did surveying with Pete Soderberg and worked other part time jobs planting orchards, until he could return full time with the forest service. He worked for the forest service for over 20 years, until his retirement in 1985. In 1970, they purchased 20 acres of land near Malott, WA, where he began planting his own orchard and building a home. Both projects progressed as money was available. Eventually, the home was completed and approximately 16 acres of orchard was planted.
While serving in Germany, Gero was able to do some traveling around Europe. He visited Italy, Austria, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and San Marino. At various other times in his life, he also traveled in Mexico, Canada, England, Scotland, and Wales. He visited his first World’s Fair in Brussels. Later, he and Margaret attended World’s Fairs in Seattle; New York City; Montreal, Canada; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Spokane. Gero and his family did a great deal of traveling in the United States as well. Extended family lived in Michigan, so frequent trips were made there. They eventually traveled to all 50 states, all by auto, except Hawaii and Alaska. Gero enjoyed photography and took thousands of pictures during his travels. He developed his own film and printed his pictures for many years. Gero also enjoyed hunting and target practice and belonged to the Omak Fish and Game Club, and Okanogan Gun Club. For many years, he shot on the .22 pistol team at Omak. He has been a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association for over 50 years. Gero was a longtime member of the Okanogan County Genealogical Society, where he served as treasurer for several years. He was an active member of the Okanogan County Historical Society, where he served as president for four years, and also was awarded “Pioneer of the Year” in 2008. He has been a trustee for many years. Other activities he took part in included the Caribou Trails Gem and Mineral Club, Boy Scout Troop 20 Committee Chairman and active parent support for his son, Joe. He was an active board member and supporter of Community Concerts and Premier Performance.
Family was most important to Gero and he spent as much time as possible with them. Activities were always planned around his immediate family, which may have been small, but always came first. He spent a great deal of time with his son and grandsons, both having fun and trying to instill a strong work ethic. He visited extended family in Michigan, Indiana, and other states as often as he could and spent a great deal of time learning family history and sharing it with others.
Gero is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Teri (Joe); grandsons, Brady and Dakota; his niece, Audrey Raden, husband, Richard, and two children, Billie Sue and Christopher, all of Michigan; brothers-in-law, Harold Coddington (Helen) of Tennessee and Russell Coddington (Doris) of Michigan; as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi (1980) and Genevieve (1972); his older brother, Dale Boltis Mitschelen (1969); his nephew, Allan Mitschelen (2012); and his son, Joe Karl Mitschelen (May 22, 2009).
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