Mitzi J. Hlavac

Mitzi J. Hlavac died on August 10, 2023, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin after living several years with Lewy body dementia. Her health condition eroded dramatically after a serious fall she experienced earlier in the month.

Mitzi was born on April 3, 1935, in Merrill, Michigan to the late Frank and Caroline Knapp. After her graduation from high school, Mitzi moved to Milwaukee and earned a master’s degree in education from Marquette University. She taught in the Milwaukee and Fox River Valley areas for several years, where she enjoyed developing relationships with her middle school students.

Mitzi married Bernard Hlavac in June of 1967 in Milwaukee. They moved to Madison, Wisconsin about a year later and then to Stevens Point in 1973, where they raised their two children, Sarah and Bill.

Mitzi stayed at home to raise her children but volunteered extensively in the Stevens Point community.  She was highly involved in Meals on Wheels as that program was being newly implemented in the area.  She became a board member of the local Girl Scout Council and an office volunteer for the local Hospice, which was also in its infancy.

Mitzi was also one of the organizers of Place of Peace, a non-denominational organization that provided a weekly meal, sociability, and outreach help to those in need. Her involvement lasted over 10 years. Holy Spirit Parish in Stevens Point has now assumed this program as part of its ministry.

Mitzi’s longest volunteer effort was with Operation Bootstrap, a totally volunteer food bank and assistance organization. She was a Bootstrap volunteer for over 40 years. During that time, she oversaw the clothing room – keeping it orderly and most importantly ensuring the clothing was accurately sized and identified. For these efforts, Mitzi was given the unofficial title “Vice President of Clothing” by friends and family. She also worked for several years on the Christmas Holiday Basket program until her illness prevented her from continuing. Serving her community was an integral part of Mitzi’s life that she felt demonstrated her commitment to God and her faith.

During the early- to mid-1980s Mitzi owned a small, but successful furniture store, Furniture Galleries of Stevens Point, with two of her close friends. They operated the business for about 10 years. She enjoyed turning her home into a warm and inviting place to entertain her family and friends and assisting others in doing the same.

Throughout their marriage, Mitzi and Bern loved to travel the world and instilled the love of learning about other cultures in their children. Mitzi often spoke of their trip to Kenya where she enjoyed seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. She also enjoyed learning about the indigenous culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, during their frequent trips to visit family and friends. In addition, spending quality time with her grandchildren was a highlight of her later years. The simple acts of school clothes shopping, playing games, travel, family mealtimes, movie dates, and sleepovers will never be forgotten by all six of her grandchildren.

The Hlavac Family extends its deepest thanks and appreciation to all who lent their help and support during Mitzi’s illness. Nancy, Mitzi’s lead caregiver, has served our family this past year, and her sister, Kathy, joined the team thereafter. Their love, care, and kindness brought continuous joy to Mitzi and our family.  We can’t thank them enough. Their extended family members Jenny, Melanie, and Mary joined the team and shared the same degree of love, kindness, and skill. We consider them all to be part of our family.

Mitzi is survived by her husband, Bernie; her daughter Sarah (Brad) Hughes of Fitchburg, Wisconsin and their children Nate, Caroline and Ben; her son Bill (Julie) Hlavac of Stevens Point, Wisconsin and their children Anna, Noah and Luke; and her faithful dog Bhair. She is preceded in death by her sister Sally Knapp, and brother Bill, who was killed in WWII in Italy at the age of 19.

A celebration of life mass for Mitzi will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jeffrey Hennes will officiate. Visitation will precede the mass at the church from 9-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  Following the funeral mass, a luncheon will be held at the Stevens Point Country Club.

Donations in Mitzi’s memory can be directed to Operation Bootstrap or a charity of your choice. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.