Paul Mihalik Sr

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Paul Anthony Mihalik, Sr., 95, on the 14th of December 2023, with his beloved wife and three of his children by his side.

Paul is survived by his wife of 74 years, Lucy Valenzuela Mihalik of Patagonia, Arizona. He is also survived by his children: Denise Heiss (Jac) of Patagonia, Cliff Mihalik (Karen) of Springdale, WA, John Mihalik (Cathy) of Healdsburg, CA), Ann McGuire (Michael) of Patagonia, Cathy Sotomayor (Fernando) of Nogales, and Steve Mihalik (Polina) of Asheville, NC. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Suzanne and George Mihalik, his sisters, Agnes and Rita and brother, George. He was also preceded in death by his son, Paul Mihalik, Jr. and grandson, Jesse Mihalik.

Paul was born on May 31, 1928 in Homestead, Pennsylvania. He was a first generation American, born of an immigrant family from Slovakia. Like many other young Americans of the greater generation, he joined the US Air Force in which he ultimately completed 21 years of service attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This was a great source of pride for Paul; even 50 years after his retirement he wore his Retired Air Force baseball cap daily! After his military service, Paul-attained three college degrees, enabling a second successful career in Education, serving as a school teacher and school administrator.

Paul had a wide-range of interests throughout his life. His deep Catholic faith was a source of comfort and lifelong direction. And later in life, this became his vocation as a lay minister and authoring several spiritual books. He had a passion for history, particularly mastering knowledge of the civil war, the great train era and had a high appreciation for the history of the Patagonia area and its pioneer families. Paul truly

enjoyed music and was blessed with a beautiful voice - as leader in the high school swing band, leading traditional hymns for Catholic services, or joining local jam sessions at the Wagon Wheel Bar. And just last year, he participated in a singing completion! In addition, Paul had a fun and silly side, and used his sense of humor to entertain us at family gatherings.

Paul will be remembered for his love of family, commitment to his friends and community, service to his Nation, and his passion for his faith.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff a Prestige Assisted Living and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care and affection for Paul. Thanks to his friends for love and support at this sad time.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Parish; 505 N. La Canada Drive, Green Valley, Az. The family requests that no flowers or plants be sent; instead, notes to Lucy would be wonderful (PO Box 468 Patagonia, Az 85624). A graveside service will be held in the future with military honors.