Joe Lee Fitzgerald

Joe Lee Fitzgerald, 92, of Mitchell, Oregon, passed away on March 27, 2025. Joe was born February 2, 1933 to Mark and Vada Fitzgerald of Mitchell. He was raised on their Bear Creek Ranch where he honed the ranching skills that served him so well the rest of his life. When Joe graduated high school, his first job was helping string power lines into Mitchell. After that, he went to work for the Jackson brothers on their ranch outside Mitchell and he spent the rest of his life working that ranch, eventually leasing it to run for himself.

Joe married Evelyon Cline in 1956 and they were married until her death 66 years later. He was a father to four children and he loved his family and countless friends fiercely. Joe loved to talk and visit with people but his actions spoke the loudest. He was committed to the Wheeler County community and the western way of life. He could always be found taking bids at the 4-H auction, carrying the flag at the Painted Hills Festival, doing projects with the Lions Club, and just generally lending a hand where needed. If any of his ranch neighbors needed help with anything, he was the first one there. He will be missed for the first time this year at the local brandings. He enjoyed hunting and took many kids (and adults) on memorable hunting trips.

Joe is survived by his daughter Debbie (Tim) Brice, of Lebanon; son, Dean Fitzgerald, of Sweet Home; son, Howard (Nancy) Fitzgerald of Mitchell; brother, Tom Fitzgerald of Mitchell and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyon, son Billy Fitzgerald, his parents, two sisters, and three brothers.

A memorial service will be held at the Mitchell School Gym on Saturday, April 12 at 1 pm.