Charl Ann Mitchell

Obituary Mitchell, Charl Ann “Charlie” Charl Ann “Charlie” Mitchell 86, of Grand Island, was welcomed into her heavenly home on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Charlie was born January 22, 1940, in East Orange, New Jersey, the daughter of Charles and Jean Ann (Cowton) Kahrhoff. As a young girl, Charlie’s family moved several times due to her father’s employment with the FBI but finally settled in Grand Island. While in second grade at Wasmer Elementary School she met her future husband and the love of her life, Jim. Charlie graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1958 and then attended Mount Vernon Junior College in Washington DC. On December 19, 1961, she was united in marriage to James G Mitchell at St Pauls Lutheran Church. Together they attended Colorado State College, in Greeley, and she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After graduation they returned to Grand Island where they were blessed with 3 children: Ann, Scott and Amy. Charlie had a great faith in God and exemplified a servant's heart. She was a faithful member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church where she shared her talents through various capacities. Charlie had a passion for life, and she was especially drawn to the arts, culture and all things beautiful through music, literature, cooking, nature, theater and the visual arts. She was a gifted artist and greatly enjoyed her years as the co-owner of Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island. Much of her work was commissioned through portraits of people, places and pets, all of which she thoughtfully and lovingly completed. Charlie was honored to win several awards for her talents. Her work is represented in the permanent collection of the Museum of Nebraska Arts in Kearney, Nebraska, and is featured in the book The Artists Muse and Watercolor Magic magazine. Charlie’s work can be seen in hospitals and clinics throughout central Nebraska, as well as in many private homes and businesses. She cherished her friendships throughout the art community. Charlie and Jim had a beautiful life together. Their faith in God was their foundation. They always looked forward to business trips with Mitchell’s Anchor Serum and visited fascinating destinations throughout the United States. They shared a love of the outdoors with abundant stories of their hiking, camping and skiing adventures with family and dear friends. Together they were avid Husker fans making regular trips to Lincoln on game days. In 2016 Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream of taking a cruise on the Danube River through Europe. Charlie’s greatest love was her family. She treasured their time together and took great joy in nurturing and caring for each of them. This includes being the host of “Camp Mitchell” every summer where she earned the title of “Grandma Great Idea”. She planned daily escapades for her grandchildren, creating many beautiful memories along the way. She also never missed an opportunity to travel to their various school activities, honors and weddings no matter the distance. Charlie loved her connections with people and her community. She was a lifelong member of St Pauls Lutheran Church; a 60+ year member of P.E.O.; a member of the Grand Island Sketch Club; The Association of Nebraska Art Club (ANAC); and Dollar and Sense Investment Club. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 64 years, Jim; and three children, daughter Ann (Frank) Vrinten of California with their children, Elizabeth (Andy) Witbeck of California, and Jonathan (Ashley) Vrinten of Utah; son, Scott (Jennifer) of Grand Island with their daughter Liza (Chad) Lorenz of Colorado; daughter, Amy (Doug) Anderson of Illinois, and children Caroline (Cody) Starostka of Michigan, Christine Amling (Austin Pleis) of Missouri, and Morgan (Brian) Pawula of Illinois. She is also survived by her great grandchildren; Devon Lorenz; Preston, Cameron, Carson and Mason Pawula; and Arthur Vrinten. In addition, Charl Ann is survived by brothers Jim (Maureen) Kahrhoff, Butch (Cheri) Kahrhoff, Tom (Sherri) Kahrhoff and brother-in-law Denny Fitzgerald; numerous nieces and nephews, and countless others who called her “mom”. Services will be held at 11 AM Monday, September 14th at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Grand Island with Pastor Jeff Pederson officiating. Friends are welcome to join the family for visitation beginning at 9:30. The burial will take place at the Grand Island Cemetery following the service. Memorials are suggested to St Pauls Lutheran Church. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Charl Ann Mitchell

January 22, 1940 - September 3, 2026

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Charl Ann Mitchell

January 22, 1940 - September 3, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

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