John Francis Mithelavage, 69, of Kansas City, MO passed away on Friday, August 30, 2019, following a very difficult battle with lung cancer and its ugly complications. During the previous few weeks, John had been cared for by the attentive nursing staff at North Kansas City Hospital prior to being placed in hospice care the day prior to his death. The family wishes to thank the NKCH nursing staff for their compassionate and understanding care over the previous month.
John was born on July 19, 1950 in Independence, MO to Anna (Pauline) and Anthony (Tony Sr.) Vincent Mithelavage; both deceased. John attended St. Ann’s Grade School, and in 1969, he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Independence where he excelled in athletics. John then attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in Springfield, Missouri.
John’s employment career centered in Information Technology and Communications over a period of 40 years, during which he received numerous awards and commendations for his acute intellect and his ability to cope with extremely stressful situations. He was employed by several firms and government organizations in the Kansas City area during that time; retiring from the United States Department of Agriculture in 2016.
Using his athletic ability, John became a very competitive bowler throughout his life, having set the then all-time high 3-game series at Maywood Bowl in 1974 with individual game scores of 269, 242 and 246 for a 757 total. His lifetime average is 204.
John is the youngest of five children. His brothers and sisters are Anthony (Tony Jr.) David Mithelavage, (wife Connie) who passed away in 2014, Cathleen (Cathy) Anne Mithelavage Savlin of Lee’s Summit, Phyllis Marie Mithelavage Still (husband Frank) of St. Joseph and Michael (Mick) Joseph Mithelavage (wife Anna) of Lee’s Summit. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. John’s family members have maintained an extremely close relationship throughout their lives, and their love for each other continues.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks you hold your loved ones close during the easy times, and even closer during the hard times. That belief and faith in God continues to hold the Mithelavage children together during this hard time and it is testament to the love and care provided by Pauline and Anthony from the very beginning of their lives.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 4737 N. Cleveland, K.C., MO. 64117 with visitation one hour prior. Inurnment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
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