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November 19, 2020Rev. John Joseph Michalicka, a retired beloved priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, died peacefully on Nov. 13 at his residence in Oklahoma City. He was 86.
Father Michalicka was born Nov. 25, 1933, in Union City to Joseph and Aloisia (Novosad) Michalicka. He attended Saint Joseph Catholic School in Union City and Saint Gregory Catholic High School in Shawnee. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Saint Benedict College in Kansas, a degree at East Central State University and a clinical pastoral certification at Saint Anthony Hospital.
He attended Saint Thomas Seminary in Colorado and was ordained a priest on May 16, 1959, by Bishop Victor Reed at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
He served at Saint Peter Catholic Church in Woodward, The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Saint Mary Catholic Church in Ponca City, Holy Family in Lawton, Blessed Sacrament in Coalgate, Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Oklahoma City, the Saint Francis de Sales Chapel at the Catholic Pastoral Center and as chaplain at the Christian Renewal Center and Saint Anthony Hospital. He served on the boards of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School and the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma. He participated regularly with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas national council and the Czech Festival in Yukon.
Father Michalicka was known as a gracious, kind and generous priest who exhibited joy and humble gratitude for the blessing of being a simple shepherd for his people. While quiet and contemplative, he was always ready to flash quick wit and a dry sense of humor, often with his friend Father Lowell Stieferman serving as his comedic partner. In his later years, he enjoyed many international trips with fellow priests and family members.
He is survived by his brother Cyrill Michalicka, wife Nila and their children John, Michael, Mark and Steve; and his sister Ambrosia Geffre and children John, Johanna, Cecilia, Cindy, David and Roseanne. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Sebastian Geffre.
The Vigil was held Nov. 20 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City with Father John Metzinger presiding. The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 21 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Archbishop Coakley was principal celebrant. Interment at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial gifts can be made to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
