Dr. Michael Andrew Tilka Jr.

August 1, 1917 - July 14, 2012

Born August 1, 1917 in East Chicago, Indiana. Died July 14, 2012 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Michael Andrew Tilka, Sr. and Juliana Tilka (nee Benowitz), and two brothers, Dr. Edward Charles Tilka and Mr. William Grant Tilka. Michael attended Holy Trinity Hungarian grammar school and Washington High School in East Chicago. As a young man, he was an accomplished violinist who was known for playing Hungarian music. He often performed on local radio stations. In 1941, Michael married Mary Ellen O‚ÄôMeara of East Chicago, Indiana. Together they raised ten children in Munster, Indiana where his orthodontic practice was located. Michael earned a B.S. and D.D.S. from Loyola University in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps as Lieutenant Commander and from 1942-45 he witnessed the major battles of the South West Pacific theatre while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. Michael was a founding member of St. Thomas More in Munster, a lifetime member of the East Chicago Elks Club, a member of the Munster Lions Club, and the Holy Name Society. He served as Trustee of St. Joseph‚Äôs College (now Calumet College of St. Joseph) in Whiting, Indiana. A lover of golf, he was a longtime member of Woodmar and Briar Ridge Country Clubs in Indiana as well as Kingsway and Saint Andrews South Golf Clubs near his retirement home in Punta Gorda, Florida. During his thirty-four years in Florida, Michael was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish and a supporter of St. Charles Borromeo Grammar School. Michael is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, and their ten children (and spouses): Mary K. Lopez (Gus Lopez), Michael Tilka (Susan Dobie), Susan Tilka (Michael Hennessy), Patrick Tilka (Kim Tilka), Dan Tilka (Jackie Tilka), Kevin Tilka (Gina Heatherington), Terrence Tilka, Jane Tilka, Nancy Tilka (Frederic Trincot), and Carole Tilka Loufek (Garry Loufek). Michael Tilka is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Mike Tilka‚Äôs very full life was centered on family and his Catholic faith. He enjoyed travel, golf, good food, making friends, and family gatherings. He was a steadfast supporter of Catholic education; he loved music, Chicago sports, and Notre Dame football. Memorials preferred to any Catholic education scholarship fund. Visitation is Friday, July 27th, 4-7 P.M. at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN. On Saturday, July 28th, at Saint Maria Goretti Parish, 500 Northgate Dr., Dyer, IN. additional visitation will begin at 10 A.M. followed by the funeral mass at 11 A.M. Celebrant: Reverend Charles Niblick

What to Say?See Condolences

November 24th p.m. Thursday doctor Tikka was my orthodontist he was a good friend to my dad who also lived in East Chicago Indiana who was also with the East Chicago elks group and attended Loyola University medical School in Chicago Illinois my dad was born 1914 and died 1985 he was a very good family practice doctor for 35 years on the staff at St Catherine hospital in East Chicago Indiana I think doctor t i l ka had an associate with the last name of Altshul perhaps??? I really don't know the first name I don't remember it because it's been a very long time anyway I've got very good memories of Mike Tilka my name is also Jane like his daughter's name remember me as I used to be I will remember you and look on with a smile and remain in the hearts of all of you

God Bless you Daddy Tilka.

My heartfelt sympathies to you Mrs. Tilka and all the Tilka family on the passing of Doc. When my Gramma Rosie picked a role model for my Dad, she chose your father and with Doc's help, sent Dad off to Butler Univ to become, what else? a dentist! Gram chose well. Today I hope you find your way through the sadness in your hearts to celebrate your Dad's wonderful life and the legacy in each of you that he leaves behind. Many blessings to you all, Love, Cindy Farkas Isabel

Thanks for all the wonderful memories Dr. Tilka with our family and yours. Special thanks for that "third" name you provided as my Confirmation sponsor. Mary Marg and Bill so cherished yours and Mary Ellens friendship. All of the Smiths send our deepest condolences to all the Tilka children, grand children and great-grand children.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I want to extend my sympathies to the whole family. Dr. Mike and Mary Ellen were such a big part of our family growing up. What a wonderful and admirable life he led. I hope it comforts you to know that he's up there with my parents now, Jo and Elmer Jusko. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

You will be missed Mike. You were a great father and father-in-law.

Terry, I'm sad to hear of your fathers passing. From what you have told me about him, and after reading his obituary, he had an outstanding life. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming days, Steve Harder

So sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers. Miss you Terry and Hope to see you soon. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Terry., My sincerest condolences to you and family.

Thanks for being a good example in my life. Always listened to you when you talked since you shared good thoughts about life, how to be and helped me grow to be the person I am today. Even though it was not that many times you helped shape me and I will always be thankful for those times.Will see you on the other side Dr.

It was always fun to visit with Mike, he liked it when I had a new joke for him. I have great memories of our trip to Florida back in the day. Thinking of all your family and sending love. Kitty

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.