Mitchell "Mitch" L. King

Mitchell "Mitch" L. King, age 76, of Hobart, beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, passed away too soon after a courageous fight against cancer. Mitch was born on December 14, 1945 to John and Maxine King. Mitch grew up in New Chicago/Lake Station/Hobart and was a 1964 graduate of River Forest High School. Mitch and his brother Dennis were United States Air Force veterans of the Vietnam Conflict and served together at the same time. Denny always said that Mitch had the “cushy job” of ‘just’ fixing aircraft. Mitch always said that they gave him that job because he was the only guy who could fit in the engine compartment without taking out the engine. After his Air Force days Mitch became an Operating Engineer with local union 150, he worked for the Lake County Highway Department, he was the Lake County Community Development Block Grants Administrator and worked in the Economic Community Development Department. Mitch was the former Treasurer of the Hobart Democratic Precinct Organization and Precinct Committeeman of Precinct #6, Former Chairman of the Hobart Township Advisory Board, and a member of the Hobart VFW 5365. Mitch met the love of his life, Charlene in high school. Mitch and Char were married for 56 years. Their children, Mitchell (Mickey) and Melissa, will remember fondly all the crazy times that were spent with their dad snowmobiling, riding dune buggies, gardening, shooting guns, and just learning about life. He later shared these adventures with his grandchildren that he adored. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Old Coot.” He loved seeing them excel in all their accomplishments in academics and sports -- from soccer to softball. Mitch and Char loved camping and spending time with their lifelong friends. Camping together every summer during the “Big Event”. Cherished memories were had by all – the Gulley’s, the Mathias’, the Gornick-Adams’, the Lafferty-Christensen’s. Mitch only listened to his favorite band, the Eagles, and all the families ended up learning the words to all of their songs whether they wanted to or not. Mitch was an avid golfer and loved to be on the links. It took twenty years to get the love of his life to learn to golf with him, but when he did, they were inseparable. During his time in the Foresters Golf league, he hit one Hole-in-One and was close on several occasions. He had one last round with his son, son-in-law, and grandsons on Fathers Day of this year and it will be a cherished memory by all. Anyone who knew Mitch knew he had several “Mitchisms” and was NEVER afraid to speak his mind and stand up for the “little guy.” He would give the shirt off his back to help anyone he could. Mitch impacted thousands of people in his life with his work at the Lake County Economic Development Office as the Community Development Block Grants administrator. Mitch was deeply involved with Hobart and Lake County Democratic Politics for over 35 years. His longtime friend and political partner Gene Krasocka were the “dynamic duo.” Mitch was the Hobart Democratic Precinct Organization Treasurer for over 20 years along with Gene as the Chairman of the Organization. Mitch was a long-time member of the Hobart Township Advisory Board and President of the Board. He was responsible for updating Rosser Park and Rosser Hall during his tenure and having the Township hire a full-time Parks superintendent. Mitch was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his wife, Charlene, their two children Mitchell (Christa) King Jr., and Melissa (Aaron) Blankenbaker, his grandchildren, Drayton, McKenzie, and Dalton Blankenbaker, Rebecca and Aliyah King and several nieces and a nephew. Visitation for Mitch will be Sunday, July 17, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street, Hobart, Pastor Charles Strietelmeier officiating. Cremation to follow. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Mitchell "Mitch" L. King

December 14, 1945 - July 13, 2022