John G. Mikulich, 88, passes away

John George Mikulich, age 88, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at home surrounded by his loving family.  Born November 29, 1919 in Gary, he was the son of the late Nick and Anna (nee Bucha) Mikulich.

John started in the harness business at the young age of 19, with the purchase of Grey Boy.  He drove harness horses for 44 years in the Chicagoland Area as well as Henderson, Ky, and throughout the Indiana and Illinois Fair Circuit.  John and his family participated for numerous years at the Laporte Fair, Laporte IN, where they were not only known as a harness racing family, but also for the traditional “Chicken Dinners” enjoyed by fellow racers and friends on the closing day each year.  Some of his favorite horses were Earl L. Lusty (driven by both Harold Snodgrass and Del Insko), Midwest Clipper, Lustyleen, Miss Fedorski (double gaited), Burns Hanover, Sir Lionel, and American Bandstand.

He and his wife Rose, owned and operated a 100 acre training and breeding farm located in Crown Point, IN, for many years, which at one time was occupied by over 50 head of horses. John had owned more than 50 horses throughout the years.

John’s passion and knowledge for horses has carried on through to the next generations of his family.  Currently son, George with wife Patty as well as daughter, Sue Morgan with husband Tom, are owners and trainers.  His son, Nick is an Indiana blacksmith as well as a past driver/trainer.  Nick’s daughter Krista with her boyfriend Eric recently purchased a small farm to raise horses, which made Grandpa very proud.  Also in the past, daughter Barb and Lou (deceased) owned and trained.  Daughter Patti was an owner.  He was proceeded in death by brother Steve, who also was a owner/trainer.

John formed many life long friendship through the years of racing and will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his wonderful wife Rose (nee Sibincic), of 57 years.  He is also survived by his children, Nick (Marilyn Beaty), George (Patty), Mary Phelps, Barb Pettineo, Patti (Dennis) Lee, and Sue (Tom) Morgan.  John had 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several step-grand and great grandchildren.  Brother-In Laws Jerry (Mary) Sibincic and Nick Prentoff, Sister-In Laws Albina Mikulich and Marie Ulicni and numerous loving nieces and nephews.  Proceeding John in death were his brothers Steve and John, sister Helen Lucas, 1^st wife Rose (Prentoff) Mikulich, Mother-In Law Mary Sibincic and Son-in Law Lou Pettineo.

Friends may call at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. on Wednesday, April 23, 2008  from 2:00-8:00 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate in his honor to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Avenue, Munster, Indiana 46321, The Indiana Veterans Home, 3851 N. River Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906 or Crown Point Moose Lodge #260, P.O. Box 201, Crown Point, IN 46307.

Thank you to Sue Morgan for providing this information.