John "TK" Tkalcevic

John Tkalcevic, also known as "TK," passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 11th, 2026, in Marana, Arizona.

John was born in Hanlin Station, Pennsylvania, on June 22nd, 1945, to parents, Tomo Tkalcevic and Kata Silaj Tkalcevic. He was the seventh born of eight children, who all grew up on a farm in western Pennsylvania. In school, John enjoyed playing football and being on the wrestling team before graduating in 1963 from Avella High School. After graduation, he joined the Army in 1965 and was deployed to Germany for two years. Afterwards, he decided to further his education at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona. He attended on a wrestling scholarship for two years before transferring to Northern Arizona University, where he wrestled for the Lumberjacks for two years before graduating in 1972.

TK met the love of his life, Connie Niel, and the two married on December 21st, 1971, in Tucson, Arizona. They spent 54 wonderful years together, making countless memories and sharing an amazing life, before his untimely passing. They had two beautiful children, Kristin Louise and Ryan John, who were both born and raised in Page, Arizona.

After moving to Page in 1973, John taught physical education, strength training, and coached football, wrestling, and track. He started the wrestling program at Page High School in 1974 and coached it, as well as the football team (as the defensive coordinator), for 20 years. As he built an impressive career, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009. TK retired from teaching and coaching in 1999, after impacting the lives of so many young adults. He later used his coaching skills to coach youth football, which included his grandson and granddaughter, through a program started by Ryan and Niki in Page, Arizona. TK leaves behind a lasting and impactful legacy through the lives of so many friends and neighbors during the 53 years he lived in Page.

John also loved gardening and raised the best vegetables (especially delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers) until his death. He generously shared his crops with neighbors and friends, which brought him tremendous joy. He enjoyed visiting his family in Pennsylvania, where he helped with the farming and had a fantastic time attending his nephew's, Timmy, annual 4th of July party. TK was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan and followed the team every year on television. He liked to spend time in nature hunting and fishing, while also creating quality time sharing the experience with his son and grandson. John loved rock and roll music from the late 50s and 60s. He especially liked to listen to the music outside on his patio while enjoying a beer with family and friends. He also was a country music fan and listening to the sound of waves by the ocean. John always loved to eat and enjoy a good meal. The amount of food he could put away while sharing a meal with his family and friends was amazing. TK was a man of many interests, all of which he put his whole heart into. However, above all else, he loved his wife, his daughter, his son, and his five grandchildren.

John is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his daughter, Kristin McGinnis, and her husband, Graham; his son, Ryan Tkalcevic, and his wife, Niki; his five grandchildren, Hailey Escandon (and her husband, Andrew), Alexa McGinnis, Anthony Tkalcevic, Andie Jo Tkalcevic, and Miles Tkalcevic; his brother, Mike Tkalcevic, and his wife, Cathy; his brother-in-law, Scott Niel; his sisters-in-law, Sharon Bivens and Juliette Tkalcevic; plus many nephews and nieces. He loved his family totally and unconditionally. They were his greatest joy!

A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 20th, 2026, in Page, Arizona, at St. David's Episcopal Church at 11:00am. Please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in John's name in lieu of flowers.