John Mikula

Age 84 of Goose Lake, Illinois, formerly of Lockport, Illinois, died Friday, January 17, 2025 at his home.

Born August 18, 1940 in Lockport, Illinois, John Raymond was the son of John and Victoria (Dobosz) Mikula. He was raised in Lockport and graduated from Lockport Township High School. John worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet for 35 years until he retired in 1995, and then owned and operated Victoria's Antique Shop in Coal City for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed antiques and going to flea markets, selling every year at Dwight Harvest Days, and even learned how to sell goods and discover great finds on ebay. 

John bought his property in Goose Lake in 1972, and built his home from the ground up and moved in 1974. He had a natural instinct for craftsmanship, particularly carpentry, and used his skills not only to build his home, but also remodel several additional homes. John was a member of the Goose Lake Club and Coal City Area Club, as well as the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Loyal Order of Moose in Morris. He was quick with a joke for every occasion, was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, and was always up for a game of cards or solving puzzles. Many memories were made staying at Fitzgerald's Motel in Wisconsin Dells, where remembered as one of their favorite families. 

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Mikula of Goose Lake, five children: Amber Mikula of Plainfield, Illinois, Angela (the late David) Stirbis of Ottawa, Illinois, John (Sue) Mikula, Jr. of Warner Robins, Georgia, and Joseph (Tina) Mikula and James Mikula, both of Morris; one step-son, Donald (Laura) Bedford of Waterloo, Illinois; 12 grandchildren: Ashley (Rusty) Fosnaugh, Kourtnie Huddleston, Corey (Megan) Mikula, Kammiroen (Phillip) Reilly, Kelsey (Ryan) Boese, Chayancze Stirbis, Joshua Mikula, Caitlin Mikula, John "Jack" Mikula, Loren Mikula, Austin Bedford, and Nicholas Bedford; nine great grandchildren: Blake and Luke Fosnaugh, Brooke Huddleston, Lydia and Zoei Mikula, Creed and Blare Reilly, and Nora and Tucker Boese; one sister, Carol (the late Leon) Bazzarone of Coal City, one brother-in-law, Alan (Judi) Bachert of Wildwood, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Jacqueline (Howard) Mau.

Per John's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Peace Lutheran Church, 101 Candlelight Drive, in Morris on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 12:00 p.m. 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in John's memory to: Grundy County P.A.D.S., Grundy County We Care, or to the Grundy County Community Foundation.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share John's memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City (815) 634-2125.