Tom Mitchell, 51

Tom Mitchell, 51, West Fargo, ND took his final flight on Monday, November 1, 2010 near Baraboo, WI while pursuing his passion of flying.
 
Tom was born on February 24, 1959 to John E. and Patricia (Hoscheid) Mitchell in Dallas, TX. He grew up in California and moved to Baudette, MN where he graduated from high school. He served in the US Air Force stationed in Grand Forks, ND. Tom married the love of his life, Cathy Sindelir, on July 22, 1978 at Baudette. They lived in Grand Forks and upon his discharge, he attended UND where he earned his degrees in elementary education, physical education and drivers training.
 
After graduating in 1986, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army. The family lived in Alabama, North Carolina and Oklahoma. The Army gave him the opportunity to pursue his dream in aviation. He served in Korea and later the Gulf War. Upon completion of his tour of duty, they lived in Texas and then moved to West Fargo. He served in the ND Army National Guard where he returned to his passion for flying. Tom retired from the military in 2007. He worked in Baghdad, Iraq for Blackwater Aviation and currently for Dyncorp.  
 
Tom was an amazing husband, father, brother and friend.  He loved spending time with family and friends playing games, sports, and hunting.  He cherished time at their family lake home on Shell Lake in Minnesota.
 
Tom had a profound love for life. He lived for his family and friends. Everything he did was done to make life better for them. Anybody who met him was immediately drawn in by his warm, caring personality and ability to put a smile on their face. Tom enjoyed life to the fullest and never let an opportunity to help others pass him by. He was a mentor and inspiration to all.
 
Tom is survived by his wife, Cathy, three children, Brent, Nick, and Kylie, all West Fargo, father, John E., Kewanee, IL, three siblings, Michael (Lois), Baudette, MN, James (Becky), Louisiana, and Robert (Kristi), West Fargo; mother-in-law, Delphine Sindelir, Baudette, and many nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia; brother, John J., father-in-law, Henry Sindelir, brother-in-law, Randy Baron.
 
Visitation: Friday, November 5, 2010 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo.
 
Visitation: Sunday, November 7, 2010 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at Helgeson Funeral Home, Baudette.
 
Funeral: Monday at 11 AM at First Lutheran Church, Baudette.
 
Burial: Elm Park Cemetery, Baudette.
 
Condolences may be sent online – westfuneralhome.com or helgesonfuneralhome.com