Josephine M. Nodzak Mikan, age 88, of Shiloh, Illinois passed from this life on August 16, 2012 at Cedarhurst Memory Care. Jo was born to Slovenian immigrants Helen Miscovek Nodzak and John Nodzak. She was raised in the Youngsville area on a farm and attended Youngsville schools. Jo was a lifelong resident of Warren until her move in June 2011 to be near family. While attending business school at age 22 she was called to work while the men were at war. She was a "Rosie the Riveter" at Struthers Wells. It was there that she met Michael Stephen Mikan when he returned from the war and was selling war bonds at Struthers. They married in 1947. From their union, six children were born. Jo was preceded in death by her husband Michael, daughters Stephanie Rykoskey at age 62 and Lori Jo at age 3. Brothers Adam, John, Steven, Anthony, and Joseph. Sisters Mary, Ann, Mildred, and Vera. She is survived by her children Julene Hoskinson and husband James of Arden, NC, Christopher Mikan of North Warren, Michele Donovan and husband James of Swansea, IL, Daniel Mikan and wife Robin of Dacula, GA, sonin law Joseph Rykoskey of Hendersonville, NC, grand children Ellie, Emma, and Sarah Donovan, Christopher Mikan and wife Amy, Dustin Mikan, Jason Rykoskey, and her sister Helen Bunk.
Jo worked at Pleasant Twp. School for 25 years. She had many fond memories of the children she grew to love and the staff she was fortunate to work with. Prior to her move to Illinois, she lived 55+ years in Pleasant Twp. and more recently at the Warren Apartments. It was her happy memories of her life in Warren and the love of her children, grandchildren and friends that sustained her. Jo had many friends of all ages and was dear to all who knew her. She loved life and had a great attitude about aging and one day reuniting with her departed loved ones and meeting her Lord. A lifelong member of St Joseph's Catholic Church and more recently Corpus Christi Catholic Church. The Sacrament of the sick was performed by Monsignor David Darin. A visitation will be held on September 15, 2012 at 10 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian burial held at 11am. The Reverend Richard Toohey will preside. Graveside services will follow for immediate family. If you wish to make a memorial, please do so to Alzheimer's Association, alz.org, or Hospice of Southern Illinois.
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JOSEPHINE MIKAN