Katy Gukich, 1923-2021

Katy M. Gukich, 97, of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at her residence.

She was born July 20, 1923 in Lake Wales to the late George and Milka Milicevic. Katy was a homemaker and an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, where she served on the Alter Guild and worked many years in the Church's Thrift Shop. She also taught Children's Sunday School for 25 years.

Katy was a charter member of the Eastern Starr, and a member of the Garden Club, Women's Club, Homemakers Club, and many other civic duties. She enjoyed doing needle work and crafting. She loved writing in cards to send to her family for every holiday and birthday, always slipping a dollar bill in the great-grandchildren's cards.

Katy was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Gukich in 1991; brothers, Bany and Mike; and grandchildren, Michael D. Gukich, and Ryan G. Simmons. She is survived by her daughters, Marian Lou Gukich of Hallsville, TX, and Camilla Jean Simmons (Johnny) of Longview, TX; sons, Robert G. Gukich (Doris) of Lake Wales, and Michael R. Gukich (Mary) of Aurora, CO; brother, George Milicevic, Jr. of Labelle; 7 granddaughters; and 17 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 9 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 10 at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Episcopal Church Memorial Fund (goodshepherdnews.com). Interment will follow at the Lake Wales Cemetery.