Mitchell "Mitch" H. Names

Mitchell “Mitch” Harlow Names, age 54, of Glenwood, MN, formerly of New York Mills, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, at Heather’s Hospice House in Fargo, ND, on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Mitch was born on December 10, 1971, in Wadena, MN, the son of Harlow and Bernice (Bengston) Names. He was baptized in 1972 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills, MN. He was raised in New York Mills, where he developed the work ethic, humor, and easygoing nature that stayed with him throughout his life.

On September 28, 1996, Mitch was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nicole Jean Berg, in Crookston, MN. Together they shared 23 years and 11 months of marriage before Nicole’s passing on August 18, 2018. Their life together was built on love, laughter, family, and a shared devotion to home and community.

Mitch and Nicky later made their home in Glenwood, MN, where they settled in 2012. Mitch was a man who worked with both his hands and his heart. He began his career in carpentry, construction, and finishing work, taking great pride in craftsmanship and detail. After earning his HVAC degree from Northwest Technical College, he transitioned into industrial sales, where his natural gift for communication allowed him to excel. Over the past year, Mitch cherished working as a general contractor for friends in the Sioux Falls, SD area, rediscovering his love for designing and finishing homes—always with care, pride, and precision.

Faith and fellowship were important to Mitch. He was an active member of Glenwood Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir and served on church council. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of fantasy football leagues and the many friendships that came with them.

Mitch lived life fully and with enthusiasm. He loved hunting and fishing, pontooning and lake days, Jeep and Ranger rides, concerts and music, NASCAR, woodworking, travel, and spirited conversations over coffee with “the coffee crew.” Known for his outgoing and easy personality, Mitch always had a project going, a story to tell, and a way of making people feel at ease—even if procrastination occasionally slowed the project timeline.

He is survived by his daughters, Gretta Names of Moorhead, MN and Grace Ginter and her husband Aiden Ginter of Glenwood, MN; his mother, Bernice Names of New York Mills, MN; his mother-in-law, Jean Berg; his sisters, Susan and Brent Allen, Linda and Raymond Ellingworth, Sandra Names, and Mary and Mark Starkweather; and many cherished friends and extended family, including Dan, Marie, and Luke LaRock; Allison Unruh; Zach Wagenaar; Chad and Rachele Carver; A.J. Scheurer; Tom Vetter; Jodi McGinty; Shauna Reitmeier; Rob and Terri Richards; Peter and Kari Nelson; and Jeff and Cheri Panitzke.

Mitch was preceded in death by his wife, Nicole Jean Names; his father, Harlow Loren Names; and his loyal companion, Zola.

Per the family’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of Mitch’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Glenwood Lutheran Church in Glenwood, MN, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment of both Mitch and Nicole will take place at Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery following the service.

Arrangements are with the Karvonen Funeral Home in New York Mills. 

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