Darrell "Bud" Mitchell

Darrell “Bud” D. Mitchell, 93, of Monona died Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at his home. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 21 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Laura Gentry officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at IOOF Cemetery in Rossville.

Darrell Dean Mitchell was born October 10, 1933, in rural Monona, the son of Dennis and Dorothy (Bleitz) Mitchell. He graduated from Waterville High School and served in the United States Army from 1953-1956, during the Korean War, and was stationed in Germany as a medical aid. He lived on Big Foot Road and in the Volney area his entire life. He was given the nickname of “Rosebud” by his aunt that later changed to “Bud” and it stayed with him his entire life. August 22, 1981, he married Mavis Irene Otteson and became a husband, father, and grandfather.

Darrell farmed in Jefferson Township in rural Monona, where he milked cows and raised beef cattle until he retired from farming in 1997. He then went to work at the Casino Queen in Marquette for 23 years. Bud also helped out his neighbors on their farms.

He was a member of the Waukon VFW. Bud enjoyed fishing, hunting - especially deer, playing cards, taking rides throughout the country side, and watching westerns on TV. He enjoyed spending time with his family - especially his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his great-great-grandson. Bud was a very honest person and was always willing to help people out in need.

Survivors include his children: Myron (Daine) Cronin, Virginia (Kerry) Gilbertson, and Randy (Kim) Cronin; his grandchildren: Catherine Marie Weipert and Xevier, Cody, Stephanie, Jesse, and David Cronin; his great-grandchildren: Allen and Austin Ludeking, Kelsey Weipert, and Isaac Cronin; a great-great-grandchild, Oliver Yearous; three sisters, Marlys Leiran, La Vonne Lodor, and Joyce Klober; and two very special companions, Jackson and Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mavis in 2020; two brothers, Richard “Dick” Mitchell and LaVern “Jack” Mitchell; and a sister, Norma Jean Sweeney.

Honorary casketbearers were Doug Kubitz, Wes Lawson, Jeff Mitchell, Virgil Thorstenson, Kelsey Weipert, Issac Cronin, and Oliver Yearous. Casketbearers were Austin and Allen Ludeking, Steve Dismore, Mike Conway, Steve Leiran, and Cody Cronin.

The family would like to give a special thank you to his personal taxi service: the Waterville Ambulance, WinnMed Hospice, and the staff at the Good Samaritan Society.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.