Mitchell Lee Taylor, age 64, of Iola, passed away peacefully Monday, January 4, 2021 with his family around him after a 20-year struggle with the genetic neurological disease, CADASIL.
Mitchell was born on September 4, 1956 in Wausau, Wisconsin to the late Marshall and Mae (Halvorsen) Taylor. His family later moved to West Allis where he graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1975. He was an active member of student life playing three sports, as well as trumpet in band. Mitchell would later attend Marquette University for a physical therapy degree. In his pursuit of lifelong learning, he attended the University of Minnesota to attain a degree in English Literature. He began his physical therapy work in long term care settings before transitioning to the public school system prior to his retirement. Later in life, he completed his education with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Hamline University.
Mitchell met the love of his life, Kristine Watson, while working at Red Wing Health Care Center before they eloped on March 14, 1995 in Nassau, Bahamas. They settled on Mitch’s own piece of heaven-on-Earth in Iola, WI where they raised two children. Outside of his work and family life, he pursued many other interests. Mitchell was outspoken in his beliefs in preservation and conservation. He was president of Barns N.O.W which advocated to preserve historical Wisconsin barns. Mitch was an avid supporter of the Aldo Leopold Society, the International Crane Foundation, as well as many more. Mitchell loved to celebrate his Scandinavian and English heritage even becoming president of the local Sons of Norway Norskeland Chapter 580. Mitchell was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan, even braving the frigid 13 degrees below zero present at the 1967 Ice Bowl. Mitchell was also a devoted supporter of the arts. He was a passionate reader and writer. He loved a wide variety of music, theatre, and old Hollywood movies. Mitchell was always ready for his next new adventure. He loved to travel and learn about the world around him.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, Kristine; son, Marshall Taylor of Los Angeles; daughter, Clare Taylor of Stevens Point; sister, Marcia (Mike) Schaupp of Wausau; nephew, Christopher (Ellyn) Schaupp of Minnesota and father and mother-in-law, Richard and Shirley Watson of Ramsey, Minnesota. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
A Private Family Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Voie Funeral Home, Iola with Reverend Steve Rice officiating. A Public Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. Interment of cremains will take place in the Iola Riverside Community Cemetery in Iola. Memorials are suggested to be given to The Leopold Center, E13701 Level Road, Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913; United Leukodystrophy Foundation, 224 N 2nd Street St #2, DeKalb, Illinois 60115; or to the Iola United Methodist Church, 190 W. Iola Street, Iola, Wisconsin, 54945.Online condolences can be given at www.voiefuneralhome.com.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Ascension Health, Hospice Care, longtime caregiver Cindy, and the staff at The Willows in Iola, WI. Their care and compassion were greatly appreciated.