Jiri J. "Jirka" Mikulik

It is with profound sorrow to announce Jiri Joseph "Jirka" Mikulik entered into eternal rest on March 1, 2024.  

Jirka was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia August 23, 1946 to parents Maria and Vaclav. He is survived by his beloved wife Kveta V. Skach and her children Joseph P. (Krista) Skach, Paul J. (Donna V.) Skach, Donna M. (David) Skach, Kathleen A. (Michael) Skach-Spinelle and grandchildren Justyn and Jordan Skach.  

Jirka was a skilled tradesman in an array of different areas and served in the Czechoslovakian military, proud to represent his homeland. He went on to run his family’s tree farm business, eventually discovering his true passion of travel in his line of work as a semi-trucker, of which he serviced much of the Eastern and Western parts of Europe.

In 1986, he immigrated to America where he worked diligently to obtain his naturalization as a United States Citizen, which he was extremely proud to achieve. Jirka continued on with his love for travel, being a semi-truck driver all over the United States. He also worked for a water filtration system plant, Echodyne. 

Jirka loved being outdoors in the wilderness, enjoyed all aspects of nature, had a passion for fishing anywhere possible, but he especially enjoyed fishing at Klinger Lake Michigan with his family, ending a long day at the lake with a bonfire.

He was an avid Chess player, loved to play pool with his friends along with a Pilsner Urquell (or two)! Jirka grew up playing both soccer and hockey, enjoying both sports immensely, as a participant and spectator. He loved to be able to attend Chicago Blackhawk games.

Jirka was a proud, honorable and noble man. Always kind and generous in all areas including his time. One could always count on him for his big smile, incredible sense of humor or to lend a helping hand on any project anytime, anywhere. It provided him tremendous joy to help others, no matter what that might entail. 

What he truly loved most to do was sit around with friends or family, listening to music, ESPECIALLY traditional original Czech Dechovka, where he would sing along to the folk songs with friends, family or even alone, and dance, especially with his “Kvetus”.  Jirka and Kvetus were “two peas in a pod”.

Jirka was an integral and important person in our lives. He loved us with his gigantic heart and he certainly felt the reciprocation of love back. The emptiness we feel losing Jirka physically is immense. He shall be sorely missed, yet the emptiness will continuously be replenished by his love and spirit that remains in our hearts forever. Forever a shining light.

 Na Zdravi Jirko a Spi Sladce   

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and thanks to all who have reached out to convey their prayers and condolences during this difficult time.