Gordon Lance Mitchell

Gordon Lance Mitchell, age 80, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, formerly of Geneva, Illinois, peacefully passed away Monday, February 17, 2020 at his home with his loving family by his side.

He was born March 27, 1939, in Thomasville, Georgia, the son of Gordon and Shelly (Atkinson) Mitchell.

Lance graduated from Thomasville High School in 1957, shortly after Lance joined the United States Army Reserves where he served for 8 years. Lance worked in IT at Pratt Whitney Aircraft in Florida for many years until he was recruited by Montgomery Ward and moved to Chicago where he met the love of his life Sara.  He worked in IT for Union Special until he happily retired.  Lance was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was an active volunteer at church serving as an usher, eucharistic minister, and lector.  Lance was a fun-loving, humor-filled man who valued his family and friends above all else.  He loved life’s simple pleasures . . . gardening, petting dogs, holding babies, baking, being Santa Claus for years, reading, and sipping fine bourbon by an indoor or outdoor fire.  Lance also had a spicy side and never shied away from a heated debate about politics, patriotism, or anything else he felt passionately about.  Lance was the first person to help a friend in need, and his home was always open to anyone who wanted to pop in.  He will be remembered for his smiling face, never ending jokes/stories, and contagious laughter. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Sara (Amore), children Cristi of Boston, Allison (Derek) Stefansson of St. Charles, and Paul of Chicago; grandchildren Joshua Wakim and Samuel and Mitchell Stefansson; and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Lisa Josephine.

Memorial Mass for Lance will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 E. Main Street, St. Charles with Father Charles Warren Celebrant.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 6 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva, with a liturgical wake service at 7:45 pm with Deacon Greg D’Anna officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to www.michaeljfox.org to aid in Parkinson’s research or Hospice of the Valley https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/ in Gilbert, Arizona would be appreciated.

For information, please call 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.

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