John Dale Mitts, 85

John Dale Mitts, 85, was born to Doris Kelly Mitts and William Milas Mitts on Sept. 22, 1939, in Colorado. He passed away on Jan. 29, 2025, at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork.  

John grew up and attended school in Columbus, Kansas. After high school he attended Joplin College and Kansas State College in Pittsburg, before transferring to Westmar College in LaMars, Iowa, graduating in 1964, and marrying Sandra Shelton. Shortly thereafter, John and Sandy entered the teaching profession in Oregon but returned to Kansas for John to receive his master’s degree while he was teaching at Wichita High School East. In 1969 they return to Coos Bay, Oregon, where John taught art until retirement, 33 years later. 

He coached football and wrestling and ran three clubs — model airplane, rocket, and ping pong. He also loved the ocean and spent many hours beach combing, fishing, crabbing, and hunting. In 2019 John and Sandy moved to Bigfork. 

John was preceded in death by his sisters, Marietta Mitts and Marilyn Jenney, and brothers, Bill, Cal Gene, Ronald, and Michael Mitts. 

His remaining family are his wife of 60 years, Sandy, sons, Cal and his wife, Megan Mitts of Coos Bay, Oregon, Collin and his wife, Treena Mitts of Bigfork, and his sister, Carolyn Mitts of North Bend, Oregon, grandson’s, Lane Mitts of Coos Bay, Oregon, Holden and his wife, Tyana Mitts and their son, Everett Mitts for North Bend, Oregon, and Matthew Mitts of Bigfork.

John accepted the Lord in 1978 and lived for Him by witnessing to his nurse’s, CNAs, and visiting pastor’s and others. John lived out loud for the Lord telling all he met about Jesus. He had such an amazing attitude in the midst of pain and sickness.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.