Charles Joseph “Chuck” Mikulecky, 73, died in Chester on Tuesday, April 15, 2008.
Chuck was born Aug. 26, 1934 in Havre. He was one of five children born to Catherine Janice Clark and Charles J. Mikulecky. Chuck grew up on the Hi-Line and received his education at Rudyard and Hingham, where he graduated from high school in 1953. During his school years he worked on the Brennan farm north of Hingham. Chuck married a young school teacher, Patricia Louise Peschel, on Sept. 7, 1958, at Ronan. They made their home on the MK (“M K Bar”) Ranch south of Rudyard, where they raised a family of three. In 1974 the Mikulecky’s purchased a home in Rudyard so they could enjoy their children’s school activities. Chuck continued to farm until 1991, when he retired, sold the farm and enjoyed his passion for fishing. Chuck suffered from asthma and emphysema, and his health declined steadily these past few years. He was recently admitted to the Liberty Medical Center in Chester and was comforted to have his family at his bedside during his final days. He died peacefully at the Chester Hospital early Tuesday morning. In his earlier days Chuck was an active member of the Rudyard Gun Club, the Rudyard Saddle Club and the Farmer’s Union. Throughout his life he was a staunch Democrat who proudly served as a Central Committeeman for the Democratic Party for many years. Although he never ran for a political office, he loved politics and was very knowledgeable of political history. He kept abreast on current political issues thanks to C-Span and CNN, his two favorite television channels. He also enjoyed reading the daily newspapers. Chuck’s other hobbies were many. He was a “cowboy at heart” who loved the “great outdoors.” He liked to hunt in his younger days and he took many pack-trips with friends into the Bob Marshall Wilderness over the years. After his health began to fail, Chuck was still eager to go on these trips and he enjoyed serving as the “camp cook.” Chuck also experienced several “once in a lifetime” fishing trips to the Alaskan wilderness. These trips were truly wonderful, but some of his best times and memories were at Duck Lake, where he enjoyed fishing with old buddies, especially Joe Farnik. Other outdoor activities included boating, waterskiing, and shooting gophers. In his quiet time at home Chuck enjoyed reading, especially historical and political publications and magazines like “Outdoor Life.” He also liked to play cards, mainly poker, and he enjoyed cooking. Described as a messy cook, but a good cook, he was known for his delicious German chocolate cakes with caramel icing. Chuck’s acquaintances would probably describe him as a shy, quiet man. His friends would say that he was a great story teller with a quick wit and a good sense of humor. His family will remember him as a loving man with a kind heart and a gentle soul. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, who were lifelong residents of the Rudyard community. Also preceding him in death was a stillborn brother, Charles Jr., and a sister, Shirley Kroshus. Surviving are his wife of almost 50 years, Patricia Mikulecky of Rudyard; a son, Edward Charles Mikulecky of Libby; daughters, Sandra Louise Moog (Bruce) of Libby and Lisa May Iverson (John) of Stayton, Ore.; grandchildren, Kevin Haas, Daniel Mikulecky, Mitchell Haas, Faryn Iverson, Jasmine Mikulecky, Andrea Moog, Cassandra Moog and Caliope Mikulecky; sisters, Jean VanRisswick of Vancouver, Wash., and Joyce Mikulecky of Ocean Park, Wash.; and numerous nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be 11 a. m. Friday, April 18, 2008, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rudyard. Following burial at the Rudyard Cemetery, a luncheon will be held at the church. Viewing will be Thursday at the Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester and Friday morning at the church in Rudyard. Memorials may be given to Rudyard EMS or O.C.E.A.N.
