Andrew "Drew" Gordon Mitchell, 62, of Loves Park died on October 22, 2025. Born August 14, 1963 in Christopher, IL; son of John and Claudia (Gordon) Mitchell. He lived the first years of his live in Zeigler, Illinois before moving to Gillespie, Illinois when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Gillespie High School in 1981. He obtained his bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Illinois Springfield. United in marriage on August 28, 1999 in Niagara Falls, NY to Jennifer Larson. Drew retired in 2014 after years of working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan and also enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and North Carolina Tarheels. Drew was an introvert, and was most comfortable at home, with his wife and pets by his side. He was an advocate against workplace bullying and operated a webpage devoted to education about workplace bullying: https://stopworkplacebullies.wordpress.com/ . He was an avid reader with a particular fondness for Stephen King books. His other passion was music, especially rock and metal and he had a collection of over 200 vinyl albums that he acquired over the course of his lifetime. He and Jennifer enjoyed traveling, especially to Door County, WI where they explored new areas each time they visited. He loved the light houses of Door County, especially the Cana Island Light House. Survived by his wife, Jennifer; children adopted in heart, Sony (Sierra Loya) Ferguson, Aiden Ferguson; sisters, Susan Starbuck, Kim Mollet; and nephews Jesse (Shanon) Mitchell, Craig (Holly) Ruppel, Larry Mollet and nieces Robyn (Chris) Proctor, Megan (Tyler) Gerlach, Sarah Mollet and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, John D. Mitchell. Visitation on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 4 p.m. at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St. Rockford. Tom Mlodzik will officiate. Live stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/andrew-mitchell-oct-2025 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Drew's memory to St. Louis Cardinals, Cardinals in the Community: https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/community/donate-to-cardinals-care or Midwest Dachshund Rescue: https://www.mwdr.org/donate
The family would also like to extend special thanks and gratitude to all of the staff at UW Swedish American and UW Hospital Madison with particular appreciation for Dr. Michael Bentz, Dr. Meghan Brennan, Dr. David Goodspeed, Dr. Eugene Foley and Dr. Charles Heise. They guided Drew through his health challenges with not only skill and expertise, but also kindness and compassion.
Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .