William John "Bobo" Mukavitz

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - William John "Bobo" Mukavitz of Ironwood Township, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, at the age of 90, with his beloved family and friends by his side.
William was born in Newport Heights on Sept. 8, 1932, to father, Rudolph Mukavitz, and mother, Annabel (Bonovetz) Mukavitz. Bobo spent his childhood in Jesseville location with his four siblings and later graduated from Luther L. Wright High School, where he passionately excelled in wood and metal working. After graduating high school, he took his metalworking skills and went to work for Stillwill Heating Co. in Ironwood. On June 14, 1952, William united in marriage with the love of his life, Barbara Kleimola. William and Barbara adopted Anthony (1963) and John (1966) through Catholic Social Services. William and Barabra truly loved and cherished their boys.
In January 1953, Bobo was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he was ranked Private-1 and Cpl (T) with the duty assignment of Headquarters Battery 94th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (AW) self-propelled. During his time with the Army, he earned an Occupational Medal/Germany, along with a National Defense Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America on Jan. 1, 1961.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he went back to work for Stillwill, of which he was lead foreman. After years of dedication to Stillwill, he and his wife founded Mukavitz Heating Inc. in 1969.
Bobo had a love for flying and used his private planes over the years to travel throughout the Midwest. When Bobo wasn't working, he and Barbara loved traveling with their boys and supporting them in many sporting events. Bobo was an avid woodsman and fisherman. He loved spending as much time as he could at his camp, Black Siding Lodge, which was started by his father in the 1940s, in Watersmeet Township.Bobo would often say, "Camp was my escape goat to sanity on the weekends," while owning and operating the business.
Barbara sadly passed of cancer at the age of 59, and at that time their daughter-in-law, Luann, assumed the bookkeeping and secretarial duties for the company. After five years of Bobo's guidance, Tony and Luann took over the family business, and Bobo retired at the age of 65. Upon retiring, Bobo loaded up his truck camper and took the trip of his dreams to Alaska and then back to the UP.
In his retirement years, Bobo enjoyed watching local high school sports and attending his grandchildren's (Jessica and Cody) games. He was a devoted volunteer at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 and took pleasure in socializing in the public.
Although Bobo was retired for many years, he still had a love for Mukavitz Heating and would often stop by the shop to check on how things were going. After the passing of his son, Tony, Bobo couldn't have been prouder to see his grandson, Cody, and his wife, Taylor, take over the company as 3rd generation owners.
William was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Barbara; sons, Tony and John; along with brothers, Rudy (Marge) and David (Connie); and sister, Betty (Curly).
He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann; his daughters-in-law, Luann and Lisa; grandchildren, Cody (Taylor), Jessica, Lauren and Jenna; great-grandchildren, Croix, Griffen and Grier; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bobo's charismatic personality will be forever cherished and missed by his family and friends.
Visitation has been scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood, at 10:30 a.m., with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place immediately following the Mass at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township, with military honors. A luncheon and celebration of life will follow at the V.F.W. Post 3673 in Bessemer. All are welcome.
People wishing to honor William's lifelong commitment to family and community are invited to make donations to the Bessemer V.F.W. Post 3673. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 394, Ironwood, MI 49938.
Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.
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