JOHN MIKULICH

JOHN C. "CHUCK" MIKULICH John C. "Chuck" Mikulich, 76, was born in Independence, Mo., and passed away suddenly on September 2, 2023, in Independence. Chuck's father, John Mikulich, was born in Croatia and his mother, Mireille "Mimi" Mikulich Rundell was born in France. Chuck was proud of his heritage and enjoyed his trips to both countries and visiting relatives there. Chuck lived almost his entire life on the same street in Sugar Creek. It was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and sent to Viet Nam. Sugar Creek was Chuck's elementary school followed by high school at De La Salle in Kansas City. One of his first jobs was as a lifeguard at the Sugar Creek Pool. After graduation, he started working at TWA/American where he worked for 39 years. He and his family utilized the free air travel to enjoy many places and see foreign relatives. After retiring from the airlines, he worked for Jackson County until retirement age. The city has always been important to Chuck. Currently, he was serving as Sugar Creek Alderman for the 11th year. He knocked on nearly every door in his ward for two elections because he wanted feedback from the residents. He was active in Sugar Creek affairs and activities. He enjoyed setting up the grounds for the Slavic Festival for years. His involvement in the community did not stop there. He was one of the founders of a public service organization "Go Sugar Creek." The group built wheelchair ramps, steps, home repairs, and painted houses for people with low income. He worked tirelessly to help sell some properties that Sugar Creek Development Corporation had been trying to sell for years. He served on various boards and committees and was currently on the Truman Heartland Scholarship Committee. Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, stepfather Thomas Rundell, stepbrothers Steve and Scott, stepsister Sandy, and his Mikulich uncles and aunts, as well as many of his cousins. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Sandra; sons, Shawn (Serina) and Keith (Jennifer); daughter, Amber (Ben); very much adored grandchildren, Gabrielle, Eli, Kristin, and Joshua; sister, Linda (Margaret); sisters-in-law, Linda and Barbara; mother-in-law, Dorotha; stepsisters, Sheila, Sharon, and Sue; Brayden; Aunt Bobbie; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. For 33 years, Chuck's favorite place was spending time with friends at his Lake of the Ozarks house building things, taking boat rides, fishing for crappie, sitting on the deck solving all the world's problems over a beer, and sometimes even singing corny songs. Chuck will always be known for his strength of character, working hard, solving problems, and his sense of humor. It was Chuck's wish to not have a service.