Mitchell Anthony-Che Lara, age 24, died on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at UW Health University Hospital, Madison.
Mitchell was born on March 11, 2001, in Madison, Wisconsin. He graduated from DeForest High School, where he proudly earned his diploma. His spiritual journey was deeply meaningful—he was baptized in Acapulco, Mexico, received his First Communion in San Juan, Texas, and was confirmed at St. Olaf's Church in DeForest, WI.
Mitchell had a passion for speed and adventure. He loved everything fast—participating in the local Special Olympics in San Juan, TX, and famously racing DeForest High School police officer Brian Johnson "for pink slips," a race that went viral and landed on NewsChannel 15.
He cherished time spent with family and friends, especially when it involved bowling, movies, camping, or playing video games—where he never backed down from a challenge and often came out on top. Some of his favorites included Dragon Ball Z, Minecraft, Mario Kart, and any racing or fighting game. His ultimate superhero was The Flash, and he loved collecting anime.
Mitchell had a generous heart and always put his family first. He looked to his dad for the fun times and called for his mom during the most critical moments—knowing instinctively who to turn to. He was a dedicated worker who took pride in showing up, even when he wasn't feeling his best.
His expressions could speak a thousand words—telling stories without him needing to say a thing. "Heaven forbid" if you bumped your head, he would crack up laughing all day. And nothing captured Mitchell's essence better than his famous "Mitchell eye rolls," which were legendary to those who knew and loved him. And lastly, he will be remembered forever, his legacy living on through the three lives he saved—each one a testament to his compassion and selflessness.
Mitchell was survived by his parents Efrain Lara Hernandez and Violet (Baerwolf) Lara of Deforest; brother Ian Southall of Portage; sisters Erin (Kyle) Holstrom of Deforest, Mariana Lara of Sun Prairie, Jackelyn Juarez Alvarez of Deforest, Rosalia Lara of Deforest; grandparents Carol Chwala of Hawkins, Vicente Lara Gonzalez of Mexico, Maria Juliana Hernandez Mendez of Mexico; aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Mitchell was preceded in death by his grandpa Russell H. Baerwolf.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M. at St. Olaf Catholic Church, Deforest, WI. A visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Jensen Funeral & Cremation LLC in Columbus, WI. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our family and friends for your unwavering love, support, and kindness during this time.
We encourage you to share your online condolences with Mitchell's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com