Obituary of Herbert J Mitschele, Jr.

Herbert J Mitschele Jr, 91 of Sunrise Basking Ridge, NJ formerly of Far Hills, NJ died suddenly and peacefully in his home, next to his wife on Friday December 11, 2020. Herbert grew up in Livingston NJ. He is survived by his wife Joyce (Weber) Mitschele of 70 years. His brother Lyle Mitschele His sisters in law: Helene McGovern and Betty Weber. His children: Clinton Mitschele and partner Sheryl, Cheryl Eichmann and husband Paul, Louis Mitschele and wife Carol, Patricia Beaumont and husband Paul, Lisa Campbell and husband Edward, 33 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughters Virginia Mitschele and Mary Evans, and his sons Herbert J Mitschele III and Michael Mitschele, and great grandchild Caleb Joseph He graduated from West Orange High School and then from Fordham University with a BA degree in Business As a young man he worked on a farm in Union NJ with his father. He then worked with his father and brothers in the family business H.J. Mitschele and Sons Custom Builders. Herb was a volunteer fireman in Livingston for 20+years, a member of the Knights of Columbus and Livingston Elks Club. He went on to own Baer Concrete Co in Roseland where he retired. During his ownership in February of 1979, he was buried alive for four hours in 5 degree weather under 12 feet of gravel in a stone hopper. Everyone worked to together to free him, digging, bailing out gravel, and torching open the side of the hopper for escape. Amazingly he and his employee Brian Conklin who hung by a rope to dig him out, made it out alive. At a council meeting honoring the rescuers he was quoted saying “Through the finest cooperation possible from the Roseland police and Fire Departments, the West Essex Rescue Squad, the employees of Robert J Baer, Inc and the many friends and neighbors who worked as a team, my life was saved – for which I will be forever grateful. Their efforts, plus a miracle from Our Lord above, makes it possible for me to write this note of thanks.” His Eucharistic ministry was a light in his life for over 15 years. He would walk in a room at St Barnabus Hospital to administer communion and a relationship began. He would do anything he could to help, even if it was to hold someone’s hand for however long, or pray with them even if they never prayed before. He was a kind, gentle, spiritual soul. His generosity over his lifetime touched many. He was known to talk about his beautiful bride ‘my princess’, his children, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren to anyone who would listen. He was so proud of his family and his family meant the world to him. He lived a good life! Thank you to Sunrise of Basking Ridge for always treating him like family and laughing at his jokes. He loved and appreciated you all. Monsignor Raymond Lopatesky would like to do a mass in the Spring of 2021 for Herb. This would take place at Our Lady of the mountain where he was a trustee Visitation is at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home Thursday, December 17, 2020 3:00—6:00 pm Funeral Mass Friday, December 18, 2020 St James Church Finlay Ave Basking Ridge 10:00 am Due to COVID, please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines In lieu of flowers please make donations in his honor to his great grandson’s charity: Pennies From Heaven Calebs’ Foundation. Donations can be sent to 104 Tinkwig Ct Hawley, Pa 18428