Hammond

Joseph V. Mikula

"Sonny"

Joseph V. Mikula "Sonny", age 75, of Hammond, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2017.  He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Joan (nee Kikta); children: Mark Mikula & Nicole (Julio) Ramirez; dear Granddaughter Nora Ramirez; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceed in death by his parents Joseph and Antoinette Mikula (nee Nalik), Daughter Michelle M. Mikula and Brother James Mikula, and Sister Joanne Ignas..

Growing up Joe hunted & fished in Whiting.  He would take road trips to his favorite fishing spots & won competitions.

Joe served in the National Guard (1964-1969) & received a decoration for sharpshooter. Joe kept the peace in 1967, when protesters threatened unrest over the first African-American mayor in Gary.

Joe worked 37 years (1962-1999) at Cargill Whiting Plant (formerly American Maize) processing & distributing food to nourish the community. In retirement, he took a part time job distributing food in another way at Vantil's Grocery in Hammond.

Joe enjoyed gardening, providing vegetables to all, riding his bike, Sox Games, & frequenting the Hammond Civil Center, where he could be found in the Jacuzzi chatting.

Joe was first diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 1994, underwent surgery, many years of treatments, but rarely complained. Although in a lot of pain, Joe continued to fight until the end & believed there was more to life. He was a "man's man", who never said I love you, instead he'd say, "Same to you." We all knew what he meant.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017 DIRECTLY at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church 7132 Arizona Avenue, Hammond, with viewing from 9-10 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. with father Charles Mosley Celebrant. Private cremation to follow.

Friends are invited to meet with the family for visitation at Bocken Funeral Home  7042 Kennedy Avenue, Hammond, (Hessville) on Thursday August 3, 2017 from 4 pm-7 pm. For more information you may call Bocken Funeral Home at (219)-844-1600, or visit us at www.bockenfunerals.com.