A Memorial Service for Mitch Watters, age 68, of Milford was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given directly to the Watters family. Funds received will be used toward a future memorial at City Hall in Arnolds Park to honor Mitch.
Mitchell “Mitch” Watters, age 68, passed away on February 21, 2026. He was born on September 3, 1957, in Hartley, Iowa, to Lowell and LaVonne (Bonnie Meyer) Watters. Mitch grew up in Hartley, where he learned the value of hard work while helping on the family farm. After graduating from high school, he and his family moved to the Lakes Area in the 1970s.
Mitch attended Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, earning a degree in auto mechanics. In the fall of 1978, he met Valerie Alexander, beginning a union that would last for more than four decades. In October 1980, Mitch moved to Schleswig, Iowa, to serve as a Crawford County Sheriff’s Deputy. That Christmas, he proposed to Val, and they were married on June 6, 1981, at the United Church of Christ in Hartley.
In February of 1983, Mitch and Val moved to Ocheyedan, Iowa, where Mitch continued his law enforcement career as an Osceola County Sheriff’s Deputy, later he was elected Sheriff and served from 1992–1996. The couple were blessed with two children: Alex, born May 5, 1986, and Breanna, born May 22, 1989. In the summer of 1999, the family made their home in Arnolds Park when he accepted a position with the Okoboji Police Department. Dedicated to his community, he served over 30 years on the Arnolds Park and Ocheyedan City Councils, was Board President for The Cherish House, and served a total of 39 years as a law enforcement officer.
Mitch had a deep passion for fishing and especially treasured time spent on the lake with his best friend, Don Tracy. He loved cooking and grilling, often dedicating hours to finding and trying new recipes and making them his own. Though he enjoyed taking scenic trips around the country, he took great pride in creating a warm, welcoming home. Mitch poured his heart into building a comfortable backyard oasis where friends and family could gather and feel at home. After retiring, some of his favorite moments were spent enjoying coffee and conversation with friends.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Val Watters; his children, Alex Watters and Breanna Watters; his brother, Terry (Jean) Watters; his nieces, Kristen (Beau) Bolsenga and Angela (Jeremy) Simington, and their children; along with many cousins and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Bonnie Watters, and an infant brother, Lowell Lynn.
Mitch will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of the outdoors, his welcoming spirit, and the many meaningful connections he built throughout his life.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
