John Edward Hlavka, age 76, passed away peacefully, surrounded with the unending love of family, Tuesday morning, June 16, 2026.

John was a native of Racine born on January 20, 1950 to the late John and Fern (nee: Ayers) Hlavka. He graduated from Racine Lutheran High School in 1968. After attending UW-Parkside, John began a 38-year career with InSinkErator, retiring as a supervisor in 2011.

On January 2, 1971, John was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Carol Kalb. John & Carol are longtime members of Trinity Lutheran Church. John was a sports enthusiast with a special affinity for the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed playing city league sports including softball, basketball, volleyball and bowling. In his later years he shifted from being a participant to devoted spectator rarely missing his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. In quiet times, he enjoyed model ship building, Sci-Fi (especially Dune), and reading.

Surviving are his loving wife, Carol Hlavka; daughter, Kristine (Rick) Hopf; son, John (Katie) Hlavka; grandchildren, Sienna Hopf, Wyatt Hopf, Mia Hlavka, Grace Kim, Benjamin Kim and Max Kim; brothers & sisters, James Hlavka, Carol Wiechers, Lee (Zsuzsa) Hlavka, Rick Hlavka, Evelyn (Louis) Schneider, Kevin (Linda) Hlavka, Brian (Julie) Hlavka and Lynn (Rich) Zmijewski; sister-in-law, Jan Wolfgram; brother-I n-law, James (Anne) Kalb; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sisters, Judith Heather and Georgia Hlavka; sisters-in-law, Judith Hlavka and Sandra Hlavka; brothers-in-law, James Heather, Roger Wolfgram and James Wiechers; and by Carol's parents, Gustave and Hildegarde (nee: Nommensen) Kalb.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church (2065 Geneva Street Racine 53402) on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 11:00 am with Pastor Stephen Jennings officiating. Interment will follow in Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 9:30-11:00 am. In memory of John, memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the charity of one's choice have been suggested.

A special thank you is extended to Dr. Howard Short, who was his cardiologist for more than 45 years! John had the distinction of being Dr. Short's longest-tenured patient when he retired, reflecting a remarkable physician-patient relationship that lasted nearly half a century. Many thanks to Brighton Hospice, especially Angie, for the compassionate care and support given in John's time of need. May God bless all of you!