Carol "Cari" Ann Mitchell

Cari graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1965 and earned her cosmetology degree in 1967. She began her career at Marie Brooks Beauty Shop in Garner, Iowa.

On October 25, 1969, Cari married the love of her life, Harvey D. “Dan” Mitchell Jr., in Buffalo Center, Iowa. The newlyweds settled in Roseville, Minnesota, before moving to Cottage Grove in 1972, where they would build their home, raise their family, and create a lifetime of memories.

Cari worked as an administrative assistant for the Metropolitan Transit Commission before dedicating herself to raising their daughters. In 1973, she began volunteering to type the weekly church bulletin for Community Covenant Church (now Crossroads Church), a simple act of service that eventually grew into an 18-year career as the church's full-time administrative assistant. Her dedication to her church and her willingness to serve others were reflections of the faith and generosity that guided her life.

Dan and Cari also began building a financial services and mortgage business together. In 1996, Cari left her position at the church to manage the day-to-day operations of their business, where she continued working until her retirement.

Throughout their marriage, Cari and Dan shared a love of travel and adventure. From camping trips with their daughters to exploring the country in their motorhome, they treasured the experiences, friendships, and memories they made along the way. Their travels brought them countless adventures and many lifelong friends. In 2022, they made Florida their permanent home, where Cari especially enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather.

Above all, Cari's greatest joy was her family. She and Dan were blessed with two daughters and six grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She delighted in following their adventures, celebrating their accomplishments, and cheering them on in everything they pursued. Whether near or far, Cari took great pride in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Cari had a remarkable gift for making people feel loved and valued. She was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and always willing to give of herself to help someone else. Those who knew her knew that she also loved to tell a good story—and that no story was ever complete without every last detail! Her warmth, laughter, and the many stories she shared will remain cherished memories for those who loved her.

Cari and Dan also opened their hearts and home to two foster daughters, Terry Cooper and Jennifer Bailey during the 1980s, extending their love and care beyond their immediate family.

Cari is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 57 years, Dan Mitchell; her daughter Mitzi Mitchell and son-in-law Greg Huff, and their children Isaac and Everly, of Minnesota; her daughter Mindi Mitchell and Michael Blandford, and their children Masayda, Cassian, Joakim, and Majella, of Florida; and Jennifer Bailey, one of the foster daughters who became part of their family.

She is also survived by her siblings and siblings-in-law, Shirley Hagenson, Doris Heyes, Ron (Linda) Abels, Marlene Abels (Andy Strom), Dennis and Barb Mitchell, and Deb Schmidt; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Cari was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ann Abels; her parents-in-law, Harvey and Thema Mitchell; her sister, Janet Abels; and her brothers-in-law, Keith Hagenson, Rich Heyes, and Mike Schmidt.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Crossroads Church, 5900 Woodbury Drive, Woodbury, Minnesota.

A second visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the church, concluding at 2:00 PM.

Cari will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are preferred to the Cari Mitchell Memorial Fund at Covenant Pines Bible Camp in McGregor, Minnesota. Covenant Pines held a special place in Cari's heart. She treasured the memories made there and took great joy in hearing about the experiences and adventures her children and grandchildren enjoyed at camp. Memorial donations will support the camp's Scholarship Endowment Fund, helping future generations of campers experience the same joy, fellowship, and faith that meant so much to her.

Donations may be made online through the Cari Mitchell Memorial Fund

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/covenantpinesministries/restriction/Cari+Mitchell+Memorial

or mailed to Covenant Pines Bible Camp, 43696 245th Pl, McGregor, MN 55760. Please designate mailed gifts in memory of Cari Mitchell.

Cari leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, loyalty, and generosity. Her life was a blessing to so many, and the love she shared will continue to live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched.