Rodger Steven Mravik
1947-2023
Rodger Steven Mravik passed away on April 22, 2023 at the age of 75 surrounded by family after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (a terminal lung disease). He showed his courage in facing this challenge on his own terms and remained brave throughout the ordeal. Despite great discomfort and restrictions caused by his illness, Rodger was private about his diagnosis and prognosis and stayed strong until the end.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the Gilman Funeral Home with Father Vijay Kumar Madani officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Northern Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery-Spooner on Friday, April 28 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Rodger requested donations be made to the Gilman Historical Society or another local organization or charity of your choice.
Rodger was born on Nov. 20, 1947, in Gilman, to Albert and Wilma (Jaeger) Mravik. He was the oldest of four children. Rodger graduated from Gilman High School in 1965 and learned welding at the Eau Claire VoTech. He worked in South Milwaukee as a welder for Bucyrus-Erie and Falk Foundry for several years before moving back to Gilman. During this time, he also drove in stock car races for fun.
After attending technical school, Rodger joined the Wisconsin National Guard. He served with the Stanley, Chippewa Falls, and Medford units. He was a member for 26 years and retired as a Staff Sergeant. During his service, he went on two tours to Panama and one tour to Germany. These trips sparked his interest in traveling.
Rodger retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he worked for 29 years as a rural mail carrier in the Lublin and Gilman Post Offices. During this time, Rodger was a member of the Gilman Community Betterment Association, the Fire Department, and the Village Board. He was very involved in the community and actively supported the development of the Gilman Historical Society. He was active in the local bowling leagues and raising his two daughters, Tanya and Courtney. He also sponsored a student from the Czech Republic, David Kasper, in his home for one year.
Rodger (Inspector #3) had an avid interest in trains and spent many hours sitting in various locations watching and identifying the trains passing through the Gilman area, a passion he shared with his Uncle Rudy (Inspector #1) and close friend Butch Gonia (Inspector #2). He enjoyed collecting railroad memorabilia and made many trips throughout the U.S. to visit railroad museums and ride historic trains. Rodger was the family photographer and archivist and pursued the family genealogy. He enjoyed traveling and made several trips to Europe for sightseeing and to meet distant family members in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He also traveled to Israel, Machu Pichu in Peru, and numerous trips to Ethiopia.
Rodger met Mulu, the love of his life, in Ethiopia and spent many happy years with her and her family. He is survived by Mulu, her daughter Yemariam, sister Maeza, and brothers, sisters, parents, and extended family in Ethiopia.
Rodger is survived by his mother, Wilma Mravik; daughters, Tanya Mravik and Courtney (Tom Runk) Mravik; grandson, Cole Pernsteiner; sisters, Linda Herrick and Susan Mravik; brother, Greg (Judy) Mravik; nieces, Kristin (Richard) Pokluda and Aleece (Dakota) Fasbender; nephews, Korey (Amy) Herrick and Bradley (Irina) Mravik; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and extended family and many caring friends.
Rodger was preceded in death by his father, Albert Mravik; and brother-in-law, Michael Herrick; grandparents, Carl and Mary Jaeger and John and Louise Mravik.
He wanted to thank his doctor Hussam Al-Sharif, Medford Memorial Hospital, and Hope Hospice for their support and assistance. The family appreciates the support from family and friends and the doctors and nursing staff that have cared for Rodger. He was well loved and will be greatly missed.
Paid Obituary 135551
