Kerry L. Mitchell - Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home

Kerry Lee Mitchell, age 64,

Of Celina, passed away surrounded by family and fireworks on July 4th, 2020.

Kerry always said, as he was raising his children, “let them have fun”. He lived his life by example.

Road trips across the country with his wife of 44 years, Jackie (Reineke) led to a house full of antique cookie jars, lotto tickets from every state and a fantastic collection of memories.

He raised four beautiful children, Holly (Chris) Gray, Erin Marie Mitchell, Bradford (Jill) Mitchell, and Thomas (Gayle) Mitchell, on a diet of kindness, compassion, hard work and rock n’ roll. He was generous to a fault, smart as a whip and could pay an insult without you even knowing. He was a champion napper and his three grandchildren, Penny Ann, Henry Lee and Andrew loved to cuddle up with him.

Kerry was a sharp dresser who loved to brag about his beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous head of hair. Voted best legs at Fostoria High School, class of 1973, he proudly showed them off whenever there was a dance floor available.

Kerry had a true love for the game of golf and was an active member of the Mercer County B.P.O. Elks Golf Course where he was a past Exalted Ruler (Grand Poobah). He was, also, a member of the BCA Pool League.

He attended Findlay University where he played basketball and tennis. He carried a love for both sports throughout his life and coached CYO basketball for his children.

He owned Reineke-Mitchell Ford, Lincoln, Mercury in Celina and was a retired partner from the Reineke Family Dealerships. He was an active member of Celina Rotary Club, Immaculate Conception Church, and the Celina International Association.

Kerry was born on July 10, 1955 to Ralph Mitchell and the late Donna (Earlie) Rice. He will be greatly missed by his father and step-mother Ralph (Beverly) Mitchell, step-father Gene Rice, his siblings: Dale (Kathy) Mitchell, Trina (Tony) Case, Kent (Vanessa) Keller and Mitch (Marge) Mitchell and an abundance of extended family and friends.

He took with him the world’s best BBQ sauce recipe. If anyone has it, please reach out to the family.

His family will receive condolences on Thursday, July 9, 2020 from Noon until 5:00 PM at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen. Following the calling hours there will be a reception to celebrate Kerry’s life at the Mercer County Elks Golf Course (3242 US-127, Celina, OH 45822).

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages memorial contributions to The Kerry Mitchell Memorial Fund, in care of the Mercer County Civic Foundation – www.mercercountycivicfdn.org
The Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences to the family can be left online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages memorial contributions to The Kerry Mitchell Memorial Fund, in care of the Mercer County Civic Foundation - mercercountycivicfdn.org
The Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences to the family can be left online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com

Condolences(25)

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Greg & Jan Roy says
July 6, 2020 at 4:34 pm

Jackie and family, we are sorry for your loss. RIP Kerry.
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Sheila Brooks says
July 6, 2020 at 7:56 pm

I’m so very sorry for your loss Jackie. We all loved him and he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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John Tinsman says
July 7, 2020 at 8:26 am

My condolences to the family and prayers are with you.

John Tinsman
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Bob Reineke says
July 7, 2020 at 8:31 am

So sorry to hear of your loss, Jackie and extended family. I have to say this is one of the best tributes I’ve ever read. I knew Kerry in the early days when visiting was still a thing, but our lives take us in different directions. Jackie, I hope you find peace after your grieving period, if that’s possible.
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Jim Touchette says
July 7, 2020 at 10:48 am

I knew Kerry through mutual friends however we became personal friends over the years. I most recently saw Kerry at the Findlay University golf outing at Red Hawk last summer and we had a few laughs…mostly because he won the 50/50 drawing the year before. Just like him, he donated it back. You will be sorely missed my friend! Golf on!!!!!
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Amy B Noykos says
July 7, 2020 at 12:23 pm

I met Kerry when I was a single mom with 3 little girls desperately needing a car. This man worked and worked some more to help me get a car. I will forever remember him as being incredibly kind to me. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this sad time.
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Dan Hipsher says
July 7, 2020 at 3:56 pm

Kerry just called me last week on his way back from Florida. We were planning to get my brother Mike along with Gary Miller together for golf when I got back to Ohio in August. Between Shaker Run and FCC, we had to have played over 100 rounds together…incredible memories.
I’ve known Mitch since 5th grade. We were friends and basketball teammates through high school. We continued our friendship through occasional get togethers and a lot of golf. I do know this…Kerry loved his wife, his kids and his life and he lived with a passion.
I had great respect and admiration for the fight he fought and the life he lived after his first aortic aneurism. It was courageous and heroic to see him still working, traveling and golfing alongside friends and family with his usual gregarious personality and spirit.
Kerry, you will be missed by all. I also know you’ll be watching over us…please don’t laugh the next time I flub a chip. Just send me the usual lesson you were prone to give transcendentally!
My deepest sympathy to Jackie, the kids, Ralph and all his extended family. Our prayers are with you all.
In closing, Kerry you’ll know you’re in heaven when that first drive you hit goes 250 yards! Play well my friend…and always double the bets on the back nine!
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Edward Beck says
July 7, 2020 at 4:30 pm

I enjoyed driving for Kerry when ever he asked for me. Kerry always treated me fairly as an employee at Reineke. Jackie and Tom may God’s peace comfort you both during this sad time. Blessings to all of the Mitchell family.
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Lenny and Lynn Clouse and family says
July 8, 2020 at 9:52 am

Sorry to hear of Kerry’s passing. Always enjoyed talking to him.
May he rest in peace.
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Wag-Aero/Aero Fab says
July 8, 2020 at 12:04 pm

To the Mitchell family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
May all your beautiful family memories comfort you now.
Holly-this is from your ‘work family’ in Lyons, WI.
Wag-Aero, Aero Fabricators, Leading Edge Air Foils
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Dick Geist says
July 8, 2020 at 12:34 pm

RIP, Kerry Mitchell. Yours was a fantastic journey and you made the most of it. Jackie and family, you have our deepest condolences. Always looked forward to cooking with Kerry for the Celina International Association picnics. He kept things running and everyone laughing, and, sorry to say, no, don’t have the RECIPE. However, I’m fairly sure there must have been some alcohol involved.

— dick & karen geist
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Tim and Peg Frankart says
July 8, 2020 at 1:17 pm

Our deepest sympathy Jackie, Ralph, family and extended family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May you find comfort in your many memories. Tim and Peg Frankart
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Meyers Landscape Services & Nursery Inc. says
July 8, 2020 at 2:37 pm

To All the Mitchell family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time of grief and loss.
We didn’t know Kerry very well but we love his son Brad like he is family.
64 is way to young to leave this world but it sounds like he lived life to the fullest and with gusto.
Brad-this is from your ‘work family’ in Lewis Center. A big hug from all of us at
Meyers Landscape Services & Nursery Inc.
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Dianne Basinger says
July 8, 2020 at 2:51 pm

Dear Jackie and Family,

I am so very sorry to hear of Kerry’s passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. Jackie if you need just to talk I’m a good listener.
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David Stammen says
July 9, 2020 at 6:51 am

I am so sorry for your loss Jackie and family. Kerry was an awesome friend and will be deeply missed! You have my deepest sympathy!
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Susie Carrel says
July 9, 2020 at 1:19 pm

Jackie and family so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and yours. Kerry was a great guy and will be sadly missed but his memories will live on and hopefully bring you peace.
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Courtney Rolfes says
July 9, 2020 at 3:38 pm

My favorite memories of Kerry were when he would bring my Dad a new car when his lease was up. He always called me Princess and had a hug for me. He’ll certainly be missed!!
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Dean and Kate Hartwig says
July 9, 2020 at 4:28 pm

Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. What legacy he has left!
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Larry Rinehart says
July 9, 2020 at 4:38 pm

So sorry for your loss. Anyone who knew him will truly miss him!
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Dr. Amaran and Vennila Amaran says
July 10, 2020 at 8:45 am

Our heartfelt condolences to Jackie and the family. We remember the times we spent together as a new comers to Celina.
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Roxanne Harless says
July 10, 2020 at 5:25 pm

Dear Jackie, so sorry to hear of the passing of Mitch, I know it’s been quite awhile since I have seen the two of you, probably when you were opening Upper & I painted the showroom windows was one of the last times. I’ll always remember his quick wit & kindness. We’re praying for you & your family as you navigate through your loss. Take care & God bless!
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Greg & Kathy Wolf says
July 10, 2020 at 7:11 pm

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Kerry was such a funny, joyful person who brought a smile to anyone he spoke to. He treated everyone like his friend. May you all find peace in your wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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Tom and Sue Kirk says
July 11, 2020 at 12:32 pm

Jackie, and family,
Tom and I send our deepest sympathies. Kerry was an all round great guy. Tom has lots of great memories around golfing, cars, and Elks. We were blessed to have known him.
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Bob and Marie McKirnan says
July 12, 2020 at 8:46 pm

Jackie, Sorry to miss Kerry’s Day on Friday. When I think about how much his passing will affect so many wonderful people, it makes me very sad. To you and your wonderful family, our deepest sympathy. Holly and Erin, your Dad loved you very much. Tom and Brad, thanks for being gods friends with Scott and Alex. Jacki, We hope to see you soon.
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Mark Burton says
July 28, 2020 at 7:10 pm

My dear friend…I will miss you. Nora and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to Jackie and their kids and grandchildren along with Ralph and Mitch’s siblings. Mitch and I were close friends going back to Fostoria High School days in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Tons of great memories I will always remember. Thanks for always helping out with my parents when they were in Findlay and always being willing to meet for lunch when I visited my brother and my Dad in Ohio. Kerry Mitchell was a good man with a great heart and I will miss his amazing laugh. You were a super fantastic friend and you will always have a special place in my heart. Love ya Mitch!!