Frederick Mitchell, 89, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away on Feb. 21, 2022. Fred was born in Venice, Calif., on July 21, 1932, to Earnest and Alice Mitchell. Fred grew up in Southern California, in Venice, and later in San Bernardino. As a boy, he would go fishing with his older brother John off the pier at Venice Beach. As a boy scout and senior patrol leader, Fred led his patrol on camping and biking adventures into Topanga Canyon where they would camp overnight. Fred attended San Bernardino High School where he ran track and learned to put the shot. At only 5’5”, Fred became a championship shot putter through his dedication and perseverance, winning the Citrus Belt League championship title.

Fred enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. He served deployments in Anchorage, Alaska, and Springfield, Mass. Fred’s work ethic and meticulous attention to detail once again served him well as he worked his way up through the non-commissioned officer ranks, eventually achieving the rank of staff sergeant. While in Alaska, Fred continued with his boyhood pastime, river fishing for salmon. It was during his deployment in Springfield that he met Barbara, his wife of 66 years, at a YWCA dance. After his deployment ended, Fred was honorably discharged and returned to his home in San Bernardino. Only a few days later, Fred realized he really didn’t want to live without Barbara. Just 20 years old, she bravely flew across the country and they were married in Las Vegas on Dec. 10, 1955.

Fred and Barbara made their home in San Bernardino, where Fred initially worked as a civilian contractor at the Air Force base, repairing jet engines. Fred then began pursuing a career in the printing industry, serving an apprenticeship and becoming a journeyman printer. His attention to detail and dedication served him well in his printing career and Fred became the assistant foreman at the Redlands Daily Facts, where he worked until 1971, when computerization radically changed the printing industry. Fred changed careers in 1984 when he became a licensed real estate agent. Relying on his meticulous nature and perseverance, Fred enjoyed a very successful career in real estate, working for Century 21 Realty until his retirement in 1997.

Fred and Barbara had three children, Candice Ann, Karen Sue and Gary, and four grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Caitlin and Colin. Following their surviving children to Mill Creek, Wash., in 1997, they enjoyed attending countless soccer, basketball and baseball games (rain or shine), school and scouting events, and family gatherings. Fred’s children and grandchildren were blessed as Fred was truly a dedicated father and grandfather. He never missed a game or performance.

Fred and Barbara moved to Hayden in 2019 with their daughter, Candi, and her family. While living in Hayden, Fred resumed fishing, enjoying his boyhood pastime with his grandson Kevin. In addition to fishing, Fred enjoyed eating, taking drives and watching western movies, being especially fond of Gary Cooper and John Wayne westerns.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his children, Candi and Gary; his grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Caitlin and Colin; and his two younger siblings, Phillip Mitchell and Sandra Anderegg. He is loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 4, 2022, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d'Alene, followed by a military honors ceremony at Riverview Cemetery, Coeur d’Alene.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Fred’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.