Janice "Jan" Mitchell

Janice “Jan” G. Mitchell, age 81, of Backus and formerly of the Twin Cities passed away peacefully with her family by her side at her home in Backus on Wednesday, October 28, 2020.  Services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Pequot Lakes.

Jan was born on July 3, 1939 in Casselton, ND to William and Florence (Gould) Kittelson.  Following high school graduation, Jan attended nursing school and received her associate degree.  Jan was employed as a pediatric nurse at Methodist Hospital for 42 years, however, this was not just a job for Jan this was care, compassion, and pure love for children who were terminally ill.  She always went above and beyond the call of service, making special memories for her littlest patients.  Jan was united in marriage to Chuck Mitchell on September 10, 1982 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins.  She enjoyed coordinating family gatherings, spending summers at Whitebirch campground in Breezy Point, and playing games on her iPad.  Jan was a loving wife, caring mother, and super “grammy.”  She was gracious, loving, devoted and had a great sense of humor.  Jan will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Jan is survived by her husband of 38 years, Chuck Mitchell of Backus; children, Todd (Robin) Rutherford of Backus, Chad Rutherford of Maple Grove, Stephanie Rutherford of Eden Prairie; foster daughter, Denay Ferguson of Eden Prairie; brothers, Steven (Lori) Kittelson of Hopkins, Ronald (Barbara) Kittelson of Arkansas; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many friends and extended family members.  She was preceded by her parents; brother, Robert Kittelson; and daughter-in-law, Michele Rutherford.