Renate M. Mitchell

Renate M. Mitchell, 82, lovingly referred to as “Oma” by family and friends, left this world peacefully on Saturday, May 18th, 2013. She passed away after battling complications resulting from cancer treatment. She died at home surrounded by her family. Renate is survived by her son Mitchell Jureckson; daughter-in-law Kim Jureckson; grandchildren Britta, Erica, and Max; and her three sisters Siglinde Goeschel, Karin Haepe, and Elke Loffelbein. Renate was born in Germany on May 30th, 1930, the daughter of the late Max and Else Lemme. After surviving the bombing of her hometown of Leipzig during World War II, she went on to marry U.S. Army officer Earl W. Mitchell of Baltimore, MD. She came to this country in 1956 and settled on Governors Island in New York. Renate quickly assimilated to life on an Army base, joining a bowling league, playing cards and making many new friends. She was a talented homemaker who loved to cook and entertain guests in her home. After separating from her husband in the early 1960s, she moved with her son to northern New Jersey. Renate continued to work part-time in Manhattan and volunteered at Hackensack Medical Center. Renate was devoted to her parents and three sisters who were left behind in communist East Germany. While working as a model in New York City, she sent clothing, everyday necessities and other items which were not available to her family behind the “Iron Curtain.” Over the years, Renate travelled frequently with her son to East Germany to see her relatives since it was not possible for them to leave. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, she was finally able to have her parents, sisters and their families come visit her and to experience the America she loved. In 2000, Renate moved to Lancaster County to be closer to her grandchildren. As a very proud grandmother, she generously helped them and encouraged them to pursue their dreams, go to college and start careers. She was always willing to help her son and daughter-in-law who both ran their own businesses in Lancaster. A memorial service will be held at The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services in Lancaster at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2013. Friends and neighbors are invited to participate in this celebration of Oma’s life. The family will greet friends at The Groffs from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. A private interment will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Renate’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Renate M. Mitchell

May 28, 2013