John Stephen Mikita was born on December 14, 1955 in Steubenville, Ohio to Dr. William and Mildred Mikita. He was named for his grandfathers, John Mikita and Stephen Lazich, immigrants who passed on a work ethic to their children and to Steve.
He never walked and the diagnosis was devastating. Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, doctors predicted his death by age 2. But they did not know these parents and this child. Frail but very bright, he studied diligently and overcame every illness, hospitalization and surgery with courage. Sitting on his father’s lap, he learned of FDR from a “ Look” magazine article. “ Son, he was president and he used a wheelchair. You can do this!”
One of Steve’s great strengths was his ability to make friends. He would tell you how rich his life was because of them.
He was graduated from The Sewickley Academy, where he was senior class president, Duke University, magna cum laude, where he was the first wheelchair student and received his juris doctorate at Brigham Young University Law School. He was a clerk for the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senator Orrin Hatch. He worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Utah for 39 years, providing protections and programs for people with disabilities.
After retiring, he became a patient advocate for the National Institutes of Health.
He was recognized with awards by many organizations. His greatest pleasure was meeting with and counseling SMA children and their parents.
He was a published author of “ The Third Opinion” and “ I Sit All Amazed.”
Mildred Mikita was the first in the family to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Steve learned of faith from his mother. During his hospitalizations they prayed and sang hymns together. He was a convert in 1976, baptized that summer while serving an internship in Washington, D.C. His fearless expressions of faith have reached into the hearts of so many.
Steve was beloved by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his siblings, Carole ( Neil York), Bill Mikita ( Pattie), Judith( Richard Krzyminski), 8 nieces and nephews and 17 great- nieces and nephews.
He lived his life on his own terms and his passing reflects that fortitude. He passed away March 1st at his home, surrounded by family. And his family expresses profound gratitude to each one of Steve’s helpers over the decades, most of whom were college students who devoted themselves to him.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 11th at 11am at the Brighton Stake Center 2895 Creek Road, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary on March 10th from 6 to 8pm, and at the Brighton Stake Center Saturday the 11th from 9:30 to 10:30am, followed by burial at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation.
