With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dale William Mitchell, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and cousin.  Born in Geneseo, Illinois on July 10, 1968, he was 56 years old.  Dale was cherished by his  family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Dale grew up in Sycamore and is a 1986 graduate of Sycamore High School where he met his wife, Deborah (Tucker) Mitchell – known by family and friends as Debbie.  Following his passion for art and photography, Dale earned a degree in photography at Southern Illinois University. After college, Dale and Debbie lived in Milwaukee and later returned to Sycamore, where they began their nearly 30-year marriage in 1995.

Dale founded Custom Hardwoods, LLC, a global retailer of custom stair parts, in 1996, which he later operated with his son, James Mitchell.  An avid music lover, Dale attended hundreds of concerts across all genres of music throughout his life, though he held a special place in his heart for The Grateful Dead.  Coming from a family of artists and musicians, Dale also enjoyed painting, woodworking, and playing guitar.

He was known for his friendly nature, infectious laugh, unwavering curiosity,  and deep devotion to Debbie and their children, Emilee and James.  In addition to Debbie,  Emilee, and James, Dale is survived by his parents, William and Elizabeth Mitchell, sister, Andrea Mitchell (Andy Sandler), and nephews, Ethan and Mitchell Edwards, mother-in-law, Barbara Tucker Makela, sister-in-law, Julie Stone (Mike), and nieces and nephews, Jamie Wander, Kristin Suchy, and Eric Stone.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 2 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore with a time to share fond memories beginning at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to National Alliance on Mental Illness.  You can send donations or cards to the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com