Joseph Mukavitz

Mukavitz, Joseph

Joseph Mukavitz, age 70, died at the Pine Haven Christian Communities in Sheboygan Falls from complications of dementia, on Saturday, December 2nd.

He was born on July 19, 1947 in Ironwood, Michigan to the late Joseph "Bucky" Mukavitz and Josephine Grivicich Mukavitz.

He attended the Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz graduating in 1965. Joe then completed a year of novitiate in Colfax, Iowa. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Mount St. Paul College and a Master's Degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As his career progressed he completed his administration certification through Marquette University.

Joe's career, and one of the greatest joys in his life, was working in education and caring for children. He started out as a French teacher at Vermilion Catholic High School in Abbeville, La. After furthering his education he became the Academic Dean at JFK Prep in St. Nazianz, Wi, where he met his future wife Lynn Holfelder. They were married on campus at St. Ambrose Church on October 11, 1975. He then spent many years as a Catholic school principal for St. Dominic's, St. Peter Claver, and Christ Child Academy in Sheboygan. The last 19 years of his career were spent as principal of Sheboygan Falls Elementary School.

Joe was a member of St. Peter Claver Church and was actively involved in many aspects of parish life from Parish Council to Emmaus Meals. He was a member of the Sheboygan Falls Optimist Club, SCARTA, WREA and Rainbow Kids. After he retired, Joe volunteered at Bookworm Gardens, St. Nicholas Hospital, and Sheboygan Falls Elementary.

In his spare time, Joe was an enthusiastic traveler. He visited all 50 states, and 25 countries on 3 continents. A big Disney fan, he visited Disney World multiple times. He was an excellent cook and baker. He especially enjoyed putting these skills to use during the holidays. As a Yooper, he enjoyed winter sports of all kinds. He loved music and it was a great comfort to him during the years of his illness.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lynn; two daughters, Hilarie Mukavitz and Michele (Dustin) Thoren; two granddaughters, Madelyn and Ava Thoren; two sisters, Susan (Richard) Kramer and Maribeth (Greg) Goben; as well as his much loved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation will be held Wednesday December 6th from 4-7 pm at Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street in Sheboygan. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday December 7th at 11 AM at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church at 1439 S 12th St. in Sheboygan with Fr. Paul Fliss officiating. There will be an hour of visitation at the church prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter Claver Church, The Salvatorian Mission Warehouse, Bookworm Gardens, or the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank: The Gathering Place, Embrace Care, Pine Haven Christian Communities, and Sharon Richardson Hospice for their excellent care and kindness to Joe. We are grateful to our friends, extended family, and all of those in the community who supported Joe and his family through his illness, especially his best friend, Jim Borman.