Steven Paul Mitchell July 4, 1971—February 25, 2022
It is with peace in our hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Steven Paul Mitchell from this life into the loving arms of his Savior. Steve will long be remembered for many reasons.
Steve was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on the Fourth of July, 1971, to Robert and Doris Mitchell. He surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and lived an exemplary life. He lived with his parents and his sister until college days. In high school he was involved for several years as a dramatic actor on the Back to the Bible Youth Radio Program, then heard around the world.
Steve was a member of Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln and was active in the high school and college groups, excelling in leadership and in technical matters. He was part of the team that refurbished an older fraternity building for the Indian Hills Alpha Omega ministry outreach on the University campus, and he lived for a time in the updated building. He was a 1994 graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with a BA in English—British Literature.
At Indian Hills Church Steven met Melanie Bode, a daughter of Mike and Penny Bode, and they were married there March 14, 1999. They honeymooned here in the Valley of the Sun, thanks to a gracious employer and friend. In 2000 Steve and Mel started a new chapter in their lives by moving to Phoenix and later to Mesa and then to Queen Creek. Both have held responsible positions, Steve for more than 20 years, with Insight Enterprises, headquartered in Tempe.
Their love for Jesus was very evident, and wanting to raise up another generation for God, they welcomed McKenna into their family almost 15 years ago.
Here in the Valley, they have been involved with church activities, including audio engineering and small groups at Redemption Church Gateway.
Steve wanted his life to be about Jesus and about introducing others to the Good News that Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay the penalty for their sins, that if by faith they would trust in Him, their sins could be forgiven and they could spend eternity in heaven with God. If Steve were here right now, he would want you to know that God loved the world—that is each one of us—so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for us so whoever believes in Him would have everlasting life. This is the message of the Bible’s Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16. This was the truth that guided Steve’s life, and he wants it to guide your life as well.
On Friday, February 25, 2022, at Banner Heart Hospital, Steve succumbed to his illnesses—Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a stem cell transplant with complications, blood clots, and ultimately, diseased lungs that could no longer support his life. That afternoon his weeping family tenderly released him into the loving arms of his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. “Absent from the body, present with the Lord” (see 2 Corinthians 5:8).
Steve is survived by his wife Melanie (Bode) Mitchell and their daughter, McKenna Mitchell; by his parents, Bob and Doris Mitchell; by his sister, Karen Mitchell; by his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Penny Bode; by his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Michelle (Bode) May, and their daughters Sadie and Kaeli Hoffer; and by many friends and more distant family members.
Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 4, 2022 at 2:00pm at Redemption Gateway Church at 8635 E Pecos Rd in Mesa AZ The service will be streaming on the link below.
It will go live at 1:40pm.
In lieu of flowers, please visit https://gofund.me/b8fbba5d
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
So sorry for your loss, Melanie and McKenna and the rest of Steve’s family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Praying for you all.
My deepest sympathies to you all. God Bless, be strong. God loves and will strengthen you.
I don’t know this great man but I was so touched by his obituary. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to you and your family
Well done! In all ways..his life, Melanie’s as she served beside him and the family who supported him. We grieve with you, but not without hope.
When you think of Steve, remember that although no longer by your side he will always be in your heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go through this difficult time. We are blessed to have know Steve and grateful we had the opportunity to spend a few hours with him while he was in Houston, he was truly a wonderful person.
My most sincere condolences to you all. Steve fought the good fight, and he has his reward now in the arms of Jesus. Praying for your peace and comfort.
We have seen Steve, Melanie and McKenna struggle through Steve’s illness. And yet they have remained strong in trusting God. Joy to know Steve is now enjoying his eternal home with Jesus. We pray God’s care for Mel and McKenna.
My warmest & deepest condolences to the entire family! May you find abundant strength & grace to cope at a time like this!!!
Steve was a wonderful testimony for his beloved Savior.
Our prayers for the family and friends who grieve now but will someday see Steve again in Glory.
What a wonderful testimony!! We are continuing to pray for the Mitchell family – praying that the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:7. We are going to miss Steve’s smiling face, but we are thankful that he is no longer suffering!
My sincere condolences to all of your family, Steve was a good man and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. God Bless