Wathena, Kansas - Arlan Charles Mitchell, 66, lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 and passed away peacefully in his home. 

Arlan was born on September 26, 1950 in Mattoon, Illinois to Vernon & Virginia (Johnson) Mitchell. 

Arlan went to Eastern Illinois College and went on to work in Colorado where he met the love of his life, Retha Ruhnke Mitchell. They were married on September 6, 1975 and later moved to Wathena. 
Arlan enjoyed his recliner, the history channel, spending time with family and his work! 
He worked for Dowell Division of Dow Chemical for 9 years, the Grain Companies of Troy and Wathena for 17 years, and most currently was manager at the REA in Troy, Kansas, where he has been for the past 18 years. He was a workaholic and loved what he did. Arlan had many friends and lots of family that will never forget him. 

Arlan was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and step-mother, Audrey Mitchell, mother Virginia Johnson and father-in-law, Paul Ruhnke. 

Survivors include: wife Retha Mitchell of the home; 
Son, Chad Mitchell of Wathena, Kansas; 
Daughters, Nicole Brushwood (Greg) of Wathena; 
Jenna Ralston (Randy) of Troy; 
Allie Mitchell of St. Joseph, Missouri; 
Grandsons, Dayton Mitchell and Gunnar Brushwood; 
Granddaughters, Paige Ralston, Tori Ralston and Piper Ralston; 
Sister, Helen Shaw of Aurora, Colorado; 
Brothers, Mike Mitchell of Spokane, Washington; 
Dave Mitchell of Aurora, Colorado; 
Many other extended family members. 

Memorial Service: 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 5, 2016 
At the Christ Lutheran Church in Wathena, Kansas 
Visitation: 6-8 Friday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, where friends may call after 10:00 A.M. Friday. 
Arlan’s wishes are to be cremated. 
Memorials: Wathena EMS or the Troy Ambulance Fund