LAKE IN THE HILLS, Ill.—Fred A. Mitchell, 74, president and owner of Beecher Research Company died here on Feb. 14. For the last 22 years Mitchell owned and operated the company, a manufacturer of low vision aids for the visually impaired. Mitchell’s son Brent will take over operating Beecher Research which is located in Huntley, Ill., in the Chicago area.

Mitchell formed a tool and die company with the late Adolph Dashut, A&F Die Mold, from 1961 to 1974, followed by a partnership with Art Dashut and the late Jack Owens named MOD Inc.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of 52 years; three sons, Kevin (Beverly) of Peachtree City, Ga., Brent (JoJo) of Huntley, Ill. and Keith (Pam) of Round Lake, Ill.; a sister Alice (Charles) Kent of Oshkosh, Wis., two brothers, Bill (Virginia) of Milwaukee, Wis., and Robert of Yorba Linda, Calif.; brother-in-law, Norman Smith of Wausaukee, Wis.; and 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Wayne, Eugene, Bud, Charles, and Jim and four sisters, Helen, Ruby, Dorothy and Mildred “Toots.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Fred Mitchell Memorial fund c/o O’Connor Funeral Home, P.O. Box 74, Huntley, IL 60142. For additional information, call (847) 669-5111. ■