By Nicole Matheson

Harry Mocnik was born 98 years ago in Kansas June 6, 1922.

Little did Mocnik know, that he would someday be celebrating his birthday in Lake Havasu City with his wife Norma. On Saturday, in an effort hosted by Lake Havasu Military Moms, family and friends decorated their vehicles with balloons, flags and signs to make a drive by celebration for his birthday.

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Mocnik’s Early Life

Mocnik’s life is rich with a history that seems as distant now as the heavily grained black and white news reels of the early 20th century we often see in documentaries. After Mocnik’s birth in 1922, his family moved to Illinois. He found success as junior class president at Lanphier High School – his alma mater.

It wasn’t long before service in the military beckoned him. Mocnik enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a communication specialist during World War II while stationed in Okinawa, Japan .After reaching the rank of sergeant during his service, he was honorably discharged. 

It wasn’t long before Mocnik found himself enrolled at the University of Illinois, graduating in just three years with a degree in business. The siren call of Southern California soon beckoned him to open a successful consulting business.

Mayor Cal Sheehy reads a proclamation for Mocnik’s 98th birthday. Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Home In Havasu

The Mocniks call Lake Havasu home, and have for many years. Marrying in 1949, Harry and Norma will be celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary. Their son Larry and his wife Sue live here while his other son Gary and his wife Kathy live in California. All were involved during the celebration of this humble father who has devoted his heart to family and country, while not forgetting to attend to his hobbies: tennis, reading and golf.

Harry and Norma Mocnik wave at the birthday parade crowd as they drive by their house.
Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Norma and Harry Mocnik showing the Proclamation plaque given to Harry by Mayor Cal Sheehy.
Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Larry Mocnik holds the birthday signs created for his dad’s surprise birthday parade. Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene