William J. Mikuska

William J. Mikuska, age 81, entered into eternal life on June 27, 2024, with his loving family at his side.

Bill was born to Andrew and Mary (nee Sefcik) Mikuska in Joliet, IL on August 21, 1942.

He is survived by his devoted children Maria (Brian) Peck and Matt (Melissa) Mikuska; grandchildren Brandon, Nathan, and Austin Peck, and Miles Mikuska. He will be remembered fondly by his remaining siblings Andrew (the late Helen) Mikuska, Donald (Carol) Mikuska, Mary Ann Mikuska, Joseph (Pauline) Mikuska, Rosemary (the late Gerald) Fabian, Barbara DiLorenzo, Rita (Robert) Rock, and John (Mary Kay) Mikuska.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, the great love of his life his wife Dorothy Mikuska (nee Brusatte), his brother Richard (Emma) Mikuska, and his brother Eugene (Carol) Mikuska.

Bill was born and raised in Joliet, where he formed a deep appreciation for the community. He served in the Unites States Army, earning a National Defense Service Medal for his sacrifice. Bill was a devout parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church in Joliet and attended mass on a daily basis as much as his health would allow. Bill came from a musical family, and he had the soul of a performer. He loved to sing and dance, especially to “The King”, Elvis Presley. He never shied from the spotlight, and often found himself at the center of everyone’s attention. Perhaps never more so than when he, at the Mikuska family Christmases, was Santa for countless years.

He also enjoyed another “family” in the many athletes who knew him only as “Coach Bill”. He was a dedicated coach in both softball and basketball (most recently as a valued member of the Stone City Softball organization). He was a coach who focused on the fundamentals, taught lessons of life through lessons of sport, and instilled confidence and strength in each athlete that played for him. Ultimately, at his core, he believed in people. Because he believed in them, they in turn learned to believe in themselves.

Rest easy, Bill. You have left this world better for having been a part of it. We love you and thank you.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 2, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435. All guests are invited to regather on the morning of Wednesday July 3, 2024 at 9:00 am at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life to travel in procession for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2212 McDonough St., Joliet, IL at 10:00 am. William will be laid to rest with his wife Dorothy at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at 2:30 pm on July 3, 2024.