Tom E. Mitchell, 69

Tom Mitchell, 69, June 29, 1955 — February 16, 2025.

Thomas Edward Mitchell, known to family and friends as Tom, passed away at his Kalispell home after a courageous seven‐month battle with cancer. The youngest of Ruth and Ken Mitchell’s four children, Tom was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Tom’s life was a rich tapestry woven from dedication to family, diverse intellectual pursuits, and a gentle, humorous spirit that both brightened and calmed the lives of those he loved.

Tom’s life was devoted to his family, and his family began with the love of his life, Donna Gastonguay. Their love story began at a fateful teen dance at St. James Church in 1972. A year later, much to the chagrin of their elders, the two were married. Their first daughter, Nicole, was born in 1975, while Marie followed in 1980. Daughters Amber and Devan arrived a few years later, through less conventional means. Tom’s loving family continued to be his pride and joy throughout the entirety of his life. 

Tom was a man whose life included many roles and many job titles. He was a steelworker, a welder at US Steel Southworks, a teacher, a paraprofessional helping special education students, a little league coach, an engineer of tree houses, forts, and epic snow sled runs, and a student of life and history. Tom graduated cum laude from Ancilla College with associate's degrees in history and computer science. Tom also completed a bachelor’s degree in education at Indiana University South Bend. Like any great teacher, Tom always had an interesting story to tell or a great book to recommend. Tom’s family would tell you that Tom’s most important titles were Dad, Poppy, Uncle Tom, and Babe (to his wife). 

In 2020, Tom and his wife Donna embraced a new chapter by moving to Montana, drawn by the state’s natural beauty and the close proximity of Glacier National Park. Tom loved the cold winters, snow and peaceful serenity of the mountains. He was surrounded by his family in Kalispell, living within walking distance of two of his daughters and two of his granddaughters. 

Those who knew Tom will fondly remember his quiet wit, calm demeanor and unique ability to make each of his loved ones feel like they were incredibly special to him.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Donna, daughters, Nicole, Amber, Devan, and Marie, grandchildren, Hanna, Nora, Alaura, Madisyn, Linzie, Charlyse, Timothy, James, Karly, Daniel, Isaiah, Benjamin and Silas. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Ken, brother, Harry who died in infancy, brother, Joseph and sister, Bonnie. 

Tom leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and an enduring sense of humor that will be remembered by family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held in Indiana on June 7, 2025, as we honor a man who truly lived for his family, embraced every new challenge with a smile, and left a lasting imprint on our hearts.