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Ralph Emerson Mitchell, 89, of Platte, SD passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016 at Platte Health Center Avera. Funeral Services are 9:00 A.M. Friday, September 2, 2016 at the First Reformed Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at 11:15 A.M. Friday at Riverview Cemetery in Chamberlain, SD. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte.

Ralph Emerson Mitchell was born on October 8, 1926 to Charles and Mary “Lena” (Schmiedt) Mitchell on the family farm in rural Platte, SD. He attended Kendall Country School in LaRoche Township and went on to a lifelong career in farming. On December 25, 1948 Ralph was united in marriage to Frances Petula at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church Parsonage.

Ralph enjoyed music, Polka dancing, playing cards and traveling. Some interesting trips were to Nashville, Canada and Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo to watch the calf roping and bronc riding. He took pride in farming and especially loved working with cattle.

Grateful for having shared in Ralph’s life: his daughter, Nancy (Andy) Murr of Lincoln, NE; a daughter-in-law, Elaine Mitchell of Platte, SD; seven grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren: Michelle (Mike) Green - Amber, Cody, Zach; Greg (Michealla) Gray - Garrett, Gwyneth; Lisa Schutte - Sarah, Savannah; Mike (Denise) Gray - Jake, Cheneya, Taeh; Lori (Mike) Skeen - Preston, Haidyn, Korbin; Susan Wilson - Taylen, Kellen; Amy Coulter (fiancé, Joe Schultz) - Sebastien, Genesis, Anthony; two great-great grandchildren: Rowan and Isabelle; a sister, Norma (Lauren) Lucas of Platte, SD; along with many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Mitchell; his son, Duane Mitchell; his parents, Charles and Lena Mitchell; and three sisters: Viola Anderson, Goldie Keyser and Beulah Dertien.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ralph’s honor may be directed to: Platte Senior Center, PO Box 143, Platte, SD 57369 or Helping Hands Food Pantry, PO Box 418, Platte, SD 57369.

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