Mitchell Allen Cortelyou

Mitchell Allen Cortelyou, 65 of rural Stronghurst, Illinois died at 4:50 p.m. Friday July 13, 2012 in the OSF Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. He was born November 9, 1946 in LaHarpe, IL., the son of Lowell Dean and Mary Ellen Wilson Cortelyou. On August 27, 1967, he married Karen Lefler in Blandinsville, IL. They later divorced. On February 14, 1996, he married Elaine Meier in Burlington, Iowa.

Mitchell was a 1964 graduate of LaHarpe High School. He attended Burlington Community College for two years, then received Bachelors Degrees in Ag Economics and Animal Husbandry from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. He served in the United States Army Reserves for several years.

He farmed near Raritan, LaHarpe, and in McDonough county, and also was the rural mail carrier for the Blandinsville Post Office for many years. He was a beloved father and grandfather. He was a compassionate, caring and helping neighbor who was always first in line to help anyone in need. He was an active cyclist and rode in several cycling events including R.A.G.B.R.A.I. He also competed in the BIX race in the Quad Cities. He was a member of the Burlington Bike Club and was a member and deacon of the Raritan Reformed Church.

Survivors include his wife, two daughters- Lori (Jeremy) Schultz of West Des Moines, IA., Jaime (Adam) DeCrane of Raritan, IL., five step children- Rocky Meier and Monica Cadena, both of Burlington, IA., Rachel Schleuter, of Lisbon, IA., Reyna Cadena of Chandler, AZ., Nikki Cadena of Stronghurst, three grandchildren- William Schultz, Colten and Paige DeCrane, fifteen step grandchildren- Austin Grant, Autumn, Zander, and Raden Meier, Mariah and Sophia Schleuter, Nicholas Cadena, Raven Corder, Dominic and Anika Guzman, Eric Nichols, Jada, Janiesha, Janiah, and Justin Shaw, one step great granddaughter, and one sister- Marcia Cortelyou of Rochester, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son- Anthony Cortelyou and one step daughter- Martina Cadena.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday July 19, 2012 in the Raritan Reformed Church with Rev. Terry Muller officiating. Burial will be in the Raritan Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. Memorials have been established for the Raritan Reformed Church and St. Judes Childrens Hospitals.