John R. Mrizek, 84, of Brookfield, died Feb. 11, 2019.
Mr. Mrizek was born in Chicago and grew up in Riverside, graduating from Riverside-Brookfield High School. He worked for the R.J. Mrizek Baking Company, founded by his father. After the bakery closed, he worked for several companies for 40 years as a bookkeeper.
He was a longtime member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, serving in a variety of leadership positions for his local lodge, Palacky Lodge #630, as well as at the state, national, and international level.
Mr. Mrizek served as the Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Illinois in 1967 and the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1976. He was most proud of his 40 years of service as Grand Representative of the Grand Encampment of Illinois to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, being the longest serving Grand Representative in the history of Odd Fellowship.
His work at the national level of Odd Fellowship allowed him to travel the country and the world with his wife, Ruth.
Mr. Mrizek was a dedicated and devoted husband, father and grandfather who was always there for his family. He served as scoutmaster and assistant scoutmaster in the Cub and Boy Scouts, a coach for Brookfield American Little League and Western Conference Baseball, and was a constant spectator and booster for whatever event his sons or grandchildren were involved in.
He was the husband of the late Ruth Ann Mrizek (nee Livesey); the father of Richard Mrizek and Stephen (Brandi) Mrizek; the grandfather of Zetta, Mira, Evelyn, Magdalyn and Addison; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Services have bene held. Interment was at Bohemian National Cemetery, Chicago.
Memorial donations are appreciated to Palacky Odd Fellows Lodge Kids R Essential Program, 9234 Broadway Ave., Brookfield, 60513.
Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
