John & Kathryn "Pete" Mihelick

It is with both profound sadness and joy that we share the passing of our beloved parents John Lewis "Pete" Mihelick and Kathryn Elizabeth (Dengler) Mihelick. John left us on Dec 20, 2024 and our mother passed just weeks later on January 23 2025. Both were 93 years old.
Born in 1931, they met and fell in love at Ohio University, and were married at St Thomas Church in Zanesville Oh in 1954. At the time of their passing, our parents were married for more than 70 years. My parents loved and cared for each other to the very end and wasted no time reuniting in heaven.
Pete and Kathy were people of immense devotion to those things that mattered most to them - their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, God, and the Catholic church.
Pete was born in Luzerne Pennsylvania and raised in Euclid, Ohio. Pete graduated with an Engineering degree from Ohio University, and served his country for 2 years as an officer in the US Air Force. He worked for Roadway Express / Services for 36 years where he was responsible for the construction or acquisition of every truck terminal in the USA. Pete was also very active in the community. A long serving member on the Stow planning commission, Pete was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Stow Jaycees for many years. He started and was the President of the Terminal Properties Exchange for 10 years.
Kathryn was born in Wheeling West Virginia and raised in Zanesville, Ohio. Kathy graduated with a Journalism degree from Ohio University. Kathy's passion outside of family and church was dancing. As a young performer, she appeared with Orchesis, Heidt Touring company, and as soloist with the Indianapolis Starlight Musicals. While raising six children, she founded the Mihelick School of Dance before entering Kent State University earning an M.A. in Theatre with an emphasis in Dance and continued on faculty to become Assistant Professor and Dance Division Coordinator. She founded, directed, and toured the world with the Leaven Dance Company. Along the way, Kathy co-wrote and published a book, choreographed many musicals at Porthouse Theatre, and was recognized with numerous awards.
Pete and Kathy were devoted to the Catholic faith and were active members of Holy Family Church in Stow, Ohio for over 60 years. Pete and Kathy led many ministries at Holy family including Eucharistic Minister, Leading the Baptism program, administering to the incarcerated and countless more church activities. Pete and Kathy were honored with a permanent monument at the church. Pete also served on the Sierra club for many years.
Despite the long hours and responsibilities of their jobs and their dedication to the Catholic faith, Pete and Kathy prioritized what they loved the most family. Coaching our teams, attending our events, helping us through school demands, playing with us in the side yard, and making home life fun is what they did and loved. Pete and Kathy put six kids through college then made sure that the extended family (19 grandkids and 12 great grand children) celebrated a week long vacation together every 2 years since 1996.
Pete and Kathy are survived by their daughters Susan Kampe, Lynn (Darren) Smith, Kathy (Casey) Cole, and their sons David (Kathy) Mihelick and Patrick (Anna) Mihelick. Pete and Kathy were preceded in death by their daughter Janis Mihelick.
A celebration of life for Pete and Kathy will be held on Saturday, March 29 at Holy Family Church in Stow, Ohio. Mass will be at 10:00am with a reception in the church hall immediately following.