Elkville---Mitchell C. (Mike) Korando, Jr., age 77, passed away on June 14, 2024, at home.

Mitchell was born on May 2, 1947, to Mitchell and Mary (Farmer) Korando.  He married Jeanne Winthrop Maple on July 28, 1990, and she survives.

Mitchell was a graduate of Mississippi Valley #166 School System in Gorham, Illinois.  He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where he was a member of the SIU Marching Salukis.  In November of 1969, Mitchell began his 4-year Inside Wireman Apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers out of the IBEW Local 702 of West Frankfort, Illinois.

After working 12 years as an inside journeyman wireman, Mitchell founded the Korando Electric Company in Carbondale, Illinois, opening the business in June 1981 and operating through June 2019.

Mitchell had many hobbies over the years, but he got the most satisfaction from gardening and walking 5Ks.  He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his wife, Mitchell is survived by daughter Rebecca Korando Dessenberger and husband Steve of St. Charles, Missouri; stepson Mark Maple and wife Mandy of Springfield, IL; and grandson Henry Isaac Dessenberger of St. Charles and granddaughter Gracie June Maple of Springfield.

Other survivors include brothers David Korando (Kendra) of Ava, IL,  and Ken Korando (Ann) of Tampa, Florida; nieces Kristy Kuhnert and Lori  Eaton (Robert) of DuQuoin, Illinois; Stephanie (Matt) Zipprich of Troy, Illinois; and Melissa Korando (John Bateman) of Great Mills, MD; nephews Nicholaus Korando (Heather) of Nashville, Tennessee; and Kohl Korando of Dallas, Texas; and many cousins, great nieces, and great nephews.

Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Zach Schneider.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 17th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and on Tuesday, June 18th from 9 AM to 10 AM at the Elkville Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 18th at 10:00 o' clock at the Elkville Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Slone officiating.

Burial will be in the St. Andrew's Cemetery in Murphysboro, IL.

Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, the Jackson County Stage Company of Carbondale, and Missionaries of Charity/Mother Theresa, and will be accepted at the church or at Searby's Funeral Home.