“We are so happy to be back and do not plan to ever leave.” said Brent and Jenny Gades.
Jenny grew up in Mitchell, and her husband Brent moved to Mitchell when he was in 8th grade after growing up in Alexandria, Minn. When the opportunity to return happened in November 2019 with a job offer from Avera Queen of Peace for Brent, Jenny said, “we jumped on it!”
Brent attended SDSU for undergrad, and USD for an accelerated nursing program, then Mt. Marty for his Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia. The Gades previously lived in Fargo for four years and the last nine years in Sioux Falls.
The Gades think the people in Mitchell are wonderful. “We really missed living in a town where everyone waves at each other.” “Everyone is kind and welcoming and we feel at home.”
Jenny remembers growing up in Mitchell and attending the Air Balloon Rally every year. One of her family’s businesses, Showbiz Video, sponsored a balloon. They would chase it throughout the country to meet the flyer wherever they landed. She also remembers frequenting Mr. B’s and playing jailbreak in the street with neighborhood friends.
Brent had always been a waterfowl and deer hunter but found a new love of pheasant hunting once his family moved to Mitchell. He also enjoys a game of basketball and plays on the Men’s League.
Brent and Jenny returned to Mitchell with three children. Hunter, age 8; Avery, age 5; and Kinsley, age 3. Hunter is active in baseball and basketball and can’t wait to start playing football. Avery and Kinsley love to dance and play dress-up. All of the Gades children love to swim.
Hunting, ice fishing, building snowmen, and drinking hot cocoa by the fire are winter activities the family enjoys; grilling out and entertaining friends are fall favorites.
When summer comes around, the family loves to swim at local pools and enjoys tubing on the lake. They are looking forward to the cleaning and future marina project at Lake Mitchell. Walking their dogs and frequenting the lake and canal for nightly fishing is another fun summer family favorite.
“We really wanted to raise our children in the safe, supportive environment Mitchell provided for both of us,” the Gades agreed. “Our parents live here so having them around, especially while our kids are young, is invaluable.” Brent and Jenny feel so blessed to have the grandparent “large cheering section” nearby.
Both Brent and Jenny’s parents own businesses here in Mitchell. Brent is Blair and Lynn Gades’s son, who own BBBB’s Distributing and Dealer’s Livestock. Jenny’s parents are Jeff and Linda, owners of Logan Luxury Theatres and Linda Logan Counseling Services.
After moving back to Mitchell, Jenny became involved in the family business at Logan Luxury Theatres but spends most of her work time as a realtor. If you’re looking to buy or sell, visit Jenny at Mitchell Realty. Jenny also serves on the Board of Director Mitchell Main Street and Beyond and the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement.
Although the Gades are thrilled at being back in Mitchell, life has not been without setbacks. Covid hit a few months after the move. This meant that their son’s time making new friends in school was cut short. Brent and Jenny both faced challenging times at work and did not quite have the social life they anticipated upon arrival. They are looking forward to First Fridays and the many activities Mitchell offers.
The Gades love Mitchell for its central location for travel, the wide variety of outdoor activities, and its safe, small-town feel. They also appreciate that the schools are filled with outstanding teachers, and the community is super supportive. In the future, they think it would be wonderful if Mitchell could attract more chain restaurants and stores, young professionals, and more families.
