Michael “Ski” Joseph Chvilicek gently went into eternal rest at home in Port Hadlock surrounded by his loving family on Monday, June 10 2024. Michael was a beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.
Michael was born on November 27, 1951 in Havre, Montana to Frank and Lavona Chvilicek. He graduated from Havre Central High School in 1970. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served nearly 24 years before he retired as a Chief Mineman. He traveled around the world and country, as well as spending time at sea on the following aircraft carriers: USS Midway (CVA-41), USS Independence (CVA-62), and USS Ranger (CVA-61).
After Michael’s retirement from the U.S. Navy (April 1994) he moved his family to the Evergreen State to raise his two children and enjoy the great outdoors. He began his second career at the Port Townsend Paper Mill, dedicating 22 years of service operating and maintaining the plant’s extensive boiler system.
Michael and his dearly loved wife of 43 years, Nenita, have enjoyed 30 years of life on the Peninsula and are parishioners at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
He also enjoyed the company of other veterans and was a member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion and the local Elks Lodge #317 in Port Townsend.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lavona Chvilicek.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Nenita; children Debbie (Jason) and Chris; granddaughters Erin and Theresa; his five siblings and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10am. A Celebration of Life will follow at the reception hall of St. Mary Start of the Sea on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 12pm.
Michael will receive full military honors and his final resting place will be at Tahoma National Cemetery on Thursday, July 11 at 2pm.
A special thank you to Quilts of Valor and Jefferson County Hospice, specifically angels on earth (Jenny, Mac and Sandy) for taking compassionate and gracious care of Michael and our family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local Elks Lodge #317 Scholarship Fund or the Rock Mountain Elk Foundation (rmef.org).
