Robert "Bobby" Mitchell, age 72, of Waubun, MN, died on Friday, March 7, 2014, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Robert Wayne Mitchell was born on February 6, 1942 in White Earth, MN, to Mary Jane Wilson and Lawrence Mitchell. As an infant, Bobby was placed in the foster home of John and Phyllis Swiers in Bejou, MN. He was raised by and lovingly accepted into the Swiers' family. Following Phyllis' death in 1987, Bobby moved into a group home in Mahnomen. He worked for Bruggemans SUPERVALU for a time and at the Pembina Restaurant in Mahnomen. Bobby was always busy and never kept his hands idle. Over the years, he mowed many lawns and often did odd jobs to help friends and neighbors. More than anything Bobby loved trapping, especially gophers. He used the furs for "spending money" but also enjoyed teaching his nieces and nephews the trade. In the late 1990's, Bobby moved to Waubun to make his home in the care of his brother, Larry. Three years ago he entered the Sunnyside Nursing Home following a stroke.

Bobby was always a jokester and loved to tease those around him. He enjoyed making new friends and was the first one to start a conversation with a stranger. He cherished his family by whom he tenderly was known as "billygoat". Bobby had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his horse, Smokey, and his cat, Sassy. Even with his health struggles, Bobby always maintained a positive attitude. He had a sunny disposition and found the good in everything.

Bobby is survived by two brothers, George Mitchell of Minneapolis, MN, and Larry Swiers of Waubun, MN; two sisters, Geri Johnson of Ada, MN, and Elaine Emmons of Portland, OR; and many nieces, nephews, and extended foster brothers and sisters.
He was preceded in death by his biological parents; his foster parents; sisters: Bernice, Alvina, Frieda, Phyllis, Eleanor, and Elizabeth; and a brother, John.


Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, MN. Visitation will be at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen on Monday, March 10th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Burial will take place at Bejou City Cemetery in Bejou.