Gerald "Mitch" T. Mitchem

Gerald Thomas Mitchem, age 77, of Trenton, NE passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at his home in El Dorado Manor.

Mitch was born on June 21, 1943 in McCook, NE to parents Vernon and Catherine (Worske) Mitchem. He was one of four siblings born to this union. He attended West Ward Elementary, McCook Junior High, and graduated from McCook Senior High School in 1961.

Following high school, in 1964, Mitch enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He proudly served his country until his Honorable Discharge in 1968.

Mitch married Patricia Ele on March 17, 1973. He and Patty made their home in McCook. He was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church, American Legion, and past member of the Jaycees and Elks club.

Mitch worked at Hinky Dinky in McCook for 20 years, spending most of that time as a meat cutter. He then worked at Cornbelt Chemical, which later became Van Diest Supply, for 21 years. In his spare time, Mitch enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews whether it was teaching them how to turn a blade of grass into a whistle or cheering them on at the ballpark, chewing seeds, wood working, traveling, coin collecting and watching westerns. He spent his later years courageously fighting Alzheimer’s disease and was a resident of El Dorado Nursing Home in Trenton, Ne.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia of 46 years; his parents Vernon and Catherine Mitchem; one sister Gloria Brown; and his mother and father-in-law Pat and Maxine Ele; as well as one niece and one nephew.

He is survived by his sister Carolyn (Bill) McNabb; brother James Mitchem; sister in law Mary (Tom) Vontz; brothers in law Bob Ele, and Ned (Kim) Ele; along with many cherished nieces and nephews.