Mitchell St. Martin

Our kindhearted Mitchell “Mitch” St. Martin passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Born on January 6, 1954, in Hastings, Michigan, Mitch was the beloved son of Herman (“Chip”) and Irene St. Martin. Mitch spent his early years immersed in the family’s floral and nursery business, working alongside his parents, brother Craig, and sister Althea. He attended St. Rose Elementary School and later graduated from Hastings High School. From a young age, Mitch embraced life with passion, strength, and a deep love for the outdoors. Whether on a fishing trip or a hunting expedition with his buddies, he was most at home in nature. His adventurous spirit led him to construction work while still in high school, where he discovered a lifelong vocation. After graduation, inspired by a family friend, Mitch set off for Alaska to work on the pipeline. Packing his truck and motorcycle, he made the journey to Fairbanks and began work as a laborer on the Alaska Pipeline. He thrived in the rugged, unique environment of the North Slope, though he could have done without the polar bears raiding the bus and stealing his lunch! After his time on the pipeline, Mitch continued in construction, developing a specialty in tile work. He built two homes in North Pole, Alaska, including a stunning log home on the Chena River—his personal masterpiece. Ever generous, he often remodeled bathrooms for friends and family, sometimes while visiting or on a hunting trip. Mitch met the love of his life, Sue, in North Pole, Alaska. They married in 1998 and together designed and built their dream home on the Chena River. It was there they spent many days on the porch, watching the river flow and wildlife roam. Mitch especially cherished the freedom of hopping into his boat from his backyard to go hunting. Moose hunting became one of his greatest passions, and each year he invited friends and family from Michigan to join him in the wilderness. Sue appreciated the peace and quiet that came with hunting season—except for the year he returned in just four hours with a moose, ending the quiet too soon! Mitch earned the nickname “Animal” during his early days in Alaska, a tribute to his boundless energy. After long hours on the construction site, he’d retile a roof, then rally his roommates for a night out chasing fun. His spirit was unstoppable. It’s nearly impossible to capture the essence of who Mitch was in words. He wore many hats in life: a son, a brother, cousin, fishing companion, greenhouse worker, violinist, student of the outdoors, backyard football competitor, Punt & Pass Kick Champion of Michigan, athlete, police car washer, brother-in-law, carpenter, butcher, pool shark and captain, uncle, laborer, lead foreman, expert hunting guide, boat captain, log cabin builder, mentor, Wild Game Feed organizer, and extraordinary storyteller. He was a true Michigander, Alaskan, and later a North Carolinian. Most of all, he was a devoted husband and partner to Sue for 27 years. Mitch is survived by his wife, Susan (Grainger) St. Martin and their little dog Cookie, his brother Craig and sister-in-law Jan, along with their children Mitchael, Adam, Shirina, and Maria, his sister, Althea St. Martin, brother-in-law Bruce Grainger, and nieces and best friends Pete and Carla Pierce. He also leaves behind many loyal hunting buddies and friends who admired and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chip and Irene St. Martin. Mitch’s kindness, strength, and adventurous spirit touched countless lives. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. In keeping with his wishes, Mitch will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in the places he loved most.

Mitchell St. Martin

January 6, 1954 - April 23, 2025