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Larry Leon Mitchell, 90, former choral director at Fort Dodge Senior High passed away peacefully on October 30th at Trinity Regional Medical Center.
A Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Holy Trinity Church. A visitation will be 9:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. Laufersweiler Funeral Home will be serving the family.
Larry L. Mitchell was born in Cherokee's Sioux Valley Hospital on March 5, 1936, to
Leon Donald and Beulah (Judd) Mitchell of Cleghorn. In 1941, the family moved to a
farm on the edge of Paullina. While in high school, he was very active in the arts and basketball.
After high school, he enrolled at Iowa State College to study Veterinary Medicine. While there, Larry sang in two choirs under legendary choral conductor, Robert McCowen.
Because of his influence, he decided to major in vocal music education, so he enrolled in Iowa State Teachers College, now University of Northern Iowa.
Upon graduation, he began working as a Junior and Senior high choral director at
Orange TWP. In 1966, he began his career in Fort Dodge as director of Choral Activities.
He later finished his Master of Arts degree from UNI in 1970. He later retired in 1997
after a highly successful career. He continued judging music contests, mentoring young teachers, and cantoring at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
In 1997, he married Donni (Mallory) Geren. He inherited a wonderful and large family.
Preceding him in death are his beloved wife Donni, his parents, sister Jeanne O'Kane, three nieces, a nephew, and step-grandson Jordan Mundie.
Survived by stepchildren Lauri (Brian) Mundie, Klete (Ginger) Geren, Lincoln Geren, nine step grandchildren and seven step great-grandchildren.