Harold “Bud” Alexander Mitchell, age 90, lifelong resident of Big Lake, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. He was born in Big Lake on July 28, 1933 to Hugh and Lena (Goheen) Mitchell.

On August 29, 1953, Harold Mitchell and Nola Christenson were united in marriage at Eidskog Lutheran Church in Orrock, MN. Bud and Nola’s marriage was filled with love. Bud spent many summers picking tiger lilies for Nola, and the two celebrated 70-½ years of marriage together.

Bud and Nola started Mitch K. Dairy Farm with a heifer that Nola brought into the marriage. Bud diligently cared for his dairy herd from 1953 to 1985. He enjoyed showing dairy cattle with his children across the state of Minnesota. In 1967, the Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association awarded Bud the Premier Dairyman Award, recognizing him for excellence in dairy herd management and milk production.  

After retiring from milking cows, Bud and Nola transitioned to raising beef cattle. Their grazing cattle and lush pastures remained a beautiful backdrop for the people of Big Lake to appreciate. 

Bud enjoyed gardening, especially growing and planting petunias. He had a passion for woodworking and creating colorful works of art. By a pond in their backyard, he built a small church with two pews and an altar; a peaceful place for him to pray for family and friends.  

Bud loved tractors, especially those that were John Deere green. But he was not biased and welcomed tractors of all colors into his collection. Bud refurbished a total of 16 antique tractors. He, along with his entire family, enjoyed driving these tractors for many years in the Spud Fest and Becker Freedom Parades.

He was a faithful member of Hope Lutheran Church where he generously gave of his resources to support the needs of the church. Bud was a gentle man with a big and kind heart. He will be dearly missed.

He is proceeded in death by his infant daughter, Connie Mitchell; daughter-in-law, Laura Mitchell; great grandson, Matthew Moreno; parents; and siblings. 

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Nola Mitchell; children, Karen (Gary) Schulz, Kent Mitchell, Kim Mitchell, Karlene (Scott) Kilian, Karth (Jenny) Mitchell; granddaughter; grandsons; great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A memorial service honoring Bud will be held Saturday, January 6th at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m., at Saron Lutheran Church, 311 Lake Street South, Big Lake, MN. Burial at the Orrock Cemetery will occur at a later date.

Serving the family is Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.