MITCHELL II, DENNIS

Dennis L. Mitchell II was born on April 22, 1985, to Dennis Mitchell and Roseanne Love in Spokane Washington. Dennis grew up in Spokane and graduated in 2003 from North Central High School. While at North Central, he was a drum line captain for the school band and was voted the “most inspirational” by this band class all 4 years. Also, he maintained perfect attendance in high school while having a part-time job at Wendy’s.  

It was not uncommon to find Dennis and his best friend James fishing, paintballing and picking on their sisters, or when their sisters had the upper hand would torment them back. This included things like painting his toenails in his sleep or dressing up to get married while watching Cinderella. However, when one of his sister’s friends said that Santa Claus wasn’t real, he dressed up as Santa, even though he was still little. He did this to bring faith back that Santa was real. Dennis always played baseball, soccer, and bowling.  

While in high school, PFC Mitchell joined the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program and upon graduation, and shortly after his sister’s wedding, completed Marine Corps Recruit Training in San Diego California. After graduation, he completed his military specialty training at Camp Pendleton, and then was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. His unit was deployed to Okinawa Japan for their pre-deployment training with follow on orders to Iraq.  

Dennis always wanted to be a Marine and loved to wear camouflage and dressed in Khakis. Prior to enlisting, Dennis lost more than 70 pounds while gaining muscle mass. However, during on the units training hikes in Japan, PFC Mitchell suffered a heat stroke and never recovered. PFC Mitchell passed away at the age of 19 on July 23, 2004. 

Dennis is survived by his mother Rosanne Love, his dad Dennis Mitchell, his step dad Randy Love, sister Heidi Schafferand  her husband Daryl, three niece’s Rosemary, Autumn, and Alexandrea, sister Jennifer, sister Ashley and brother Brandon. He also left aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and many friends. Since his passing, he has been joined in heaven by his dad Dennis Mitchell and his step dad Randy Love. 

Until we meet again Semper Fi 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers PFC Dennis L. Mitchell II for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.