Obituary
Michael Mikulak-
On September 13, 2023, at the age of 77, Michael entered the arms of Our Lord peacefully at home after a courageous battle with lung cancer with his loving and dedicated wife by his side.
Michael is preceded in death by parents, Mary and Mickey Mikulak of Ocala, FL; and his brothers, Bradley Mikulak and Gregory Mikulak of Ocala, FL.
He is survived by his wife, Linda (Yustwan) Mikulak; his twin sisters, Sharon Mikulak, Susan Mikulak; sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Bill Nelson; nephew, Buck (m.Leah) Nelson; niece, Marie Schoup; grand-nieces, Amber, Lauren, Aubrey, Kylea of Ocala; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bobbie (Yustwan) and Warren VanOsdal of Granger, IN; and many special cousins throughout the United States.
Born in South Bend, IN, Michael attended St. Matthew’s Grade School, graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1964, and attended 2 years at IUSB. The oldest of six siblings, Michael’s life is remembered as “Blessed”. Growing up in a strong faith-based and loving family, Michael’s parents set the foundation and focus on “Faith and Family First”- developing Michael’s own values and dedication to family, friends, new acquaintances, and business that was evident in his everyday life. He always saw the “Best” in a person and was known for lending a helping hand without question. Giving his “Word and a Handshake” was solid gold.
Michael worked for many years at JE Walz furniture store. In 1966, he served in the US Army. By the Grace of God, he returned from Vietnam to South Bend and began employment with Carleton Financial Computations.
In 1971, Michael married the Love of his Life, Linda (Yustwan) Mikulak, at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church in South Bend, IN. They shared a blessed marriage of 52 years, a life together of deep love, commitment, and being each other’s best friend. He and Linda moved to Ocala, FL in 1978 to join his parents and siblings, who had relocated to Ocala years earlier. Self-employed, Michael happily retired as a successful business owner in the Mobile Home and Real Estate Industry.
Motorcycling with Linda was his favorite fun time, and building his own Harley Sportster and riding his new Thunder Mountain Black Hawk Harley, a 64th birthday present to himself. He loved hosting weekly In-Home poker card games with his best friends, calling each other Brothers and Uncles, it was a special “Guy Time” of not only trying for the straight flush, but also telling stories old and new. He enjoyed fishing- catching a 250-lb Tarpon was quite the experience and an even more interesting story! Attending Army Reunions throughout the US with Linda was treasured times spent with his Army Brothers.
To remember Michael is to know and love his dramatic bigger than life personality, and his wild fun true stories and extraordinary experiences… and there were many! But most of all, we remember his big warm hugs given to all he cared and loved.
Michael- You are the Love of MY Life! Your Love Song to me- “My Girl” by The Temptations, is forever in my heart, cherishing when you dedicated the song to me at the First Methodist Church dance in 1964, beginning our Love Story. You are “My Shining Star”! I Love You Forever!
There will be a private service held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala, FL. Donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County and/or to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements are in the care of Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society 352-236-5884.
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