Richard J. Mika, 73, of Luzerne, formerly of Cass City, died following a long illness Saturday, April 19, 2014 in United Hospice of Marlette Residence Center, Marlette. He was born October 15, 1940 in Detroit the oldest child of Frank "John" and Helen (Polheber) Mika. He married Kathleen Rita Kain May 21, 1966 in St. Agatha Catholic Church, Gagetown.
Richard graduated from Cass City High School in 1959. He was to celebrate 55 years with his classmates this summer. Richard served in the U.S. Navy as a Boiler Operator on the U.S.S. James E. Kyes. After his service in the military Richard continued to work as a Boiler Operator for Wickes Boiler Company in Saginaw, Albert Trostel & Sons in Milwaukee, WI, Dixie Boiler in Bridgeport and for General Cable as a Maintenance Supervisor before beginning a job with GM Powertrain in Bay City, MI; retiring in 1999 after 29 1/2 years of service. Richard is a member and usher at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mio and a former member at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council #7329 in Mio and a former member of the Cass City Gagetown Knights of Columbus Council #8892. He is a member of the Mio Moose Lodge #1035 as well as the American Legion Post #162 and Cass City Gun Club. Richard owned and operated Mika's Custom Molding where he created many beautiful pieces of furniture and could fix anything.
Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing especially with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time crafting projects in his woodworking shop. He wouldn't miss having daily coffee with his friends in Luzerne or a trip to the Casino. Richard stayed close to his fellow retirees from GM gathering monthly for lunch. He appreciated friends and family and was the great party organizer for the Knights of Columbus, organizing games and barbecues for all to enjoy.
Richard is survived by his wife, Kathleen "Kathie" Mika; children: Michele (Scott) Murphy of Cass City, Paul (Jessica Ferrigan) Mika of Cass City, Kurt (Diana) Mika of Unionville; grandchildren: Deric (Danielle) Murphy, Dylan (Samantha Swiderski) Murphy, Baylee Murphy, Keith Mika, Joel (Ashley) Hessler, Kurtis (Amy) Hessler, Brooke (Tyler Erla) Mika, Logan (Karley Peters) Mika, McKaela Mika; his first great grandchildren are due in July and October. He is also survived by his sisters: Lorraine (Charles) Kurtansky of Reese, Linda (Charles) Anklam of Port St. Lucie, FL; brothers: John (Janice) Mika of Decker, George (Sharon) Mika of Caro, Robert (Romina) Mika of Port Orchard, WA; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kristi; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Richard Tetil; brother, James Mika and his parents.
Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 in St. Pancratius Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Bala and Sr. Maria Dina Puddu MC, officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Pallbearers for Mr. Mika: Deric Murphy, Dylan Murphy, Keith Mika, Joel Hessler, Logan Mika, and Tyler Erla. Military honors under the direction of U.S. Navy and Cass City VFW Post#3644. Memorials may be made to United Hospice of Marlette Residence Center or Our Lady of the Woods Shrine, Mio. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home - Cass City
2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home - Cass City
Vigil Service 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home - Cass City
10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 in St. Pancratius Catholic Church - Cass City
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz (989) 872-2195
Richard graduated from Cass City High School in 1959. He was to celebrate 55 years with his classmates this summer. Richard served in the U.S. Navy as a Boiler Operator on the U.S.S. James E. Kyes. After his service in the military Richard continued to work as a Boiler Operator for Wickes Boiler Company in Saginaw, Albert Trostel & Sons in Milwaukee, WI, Dixie Boiler in Bridgeport and for General Cable as a Maintenance Supervisor before beginning a job with GM Powertrain in Bay City, MI; retiring in 1999 after 29 1/2 years of service. Richard is a member and usher at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mio and a former member at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council #7329 in Mio and a former member of the Cass City Gagetown Knights of Columbus Council #8892. He is a member of the Mio Moose Lodge #1035 as well as the American Legion Post #162 and Cass City Gun Club. Richard owned and operated Mika's Custom Molding where he created many beautiful pieces of furniture and could fix anything.
Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing especially with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time crafting projects in his woodworking shop. He wouldn't miss having daily coffee with his friends in Luzerne or a trip to the Casino. Richard stayed close to his fellow retirees from GM gathering monthly for lunch. He appreciated friends and family and was the great party organizer for the Knights of Columbus, organizing games and barbecues for all to enjoy.
Richard is survived by his wife, Kathleen "Kathie" Mika; children: Michele (Scott) Murphy of Cass City, Paul (Jessica Ferrigan) Mika of Cass City, Kurt (Diana) Mika of Unionville; grandchildren: Deric (Danielle) Murphy, Dylan (Samantha Swiderski) Murphy, Baylee Murphy, Keith Mika, Joel (Ashley) Hessler, Kurtis (Amy) Hessler, Brooke (Tyler Erla) Mika, Logan (Karley Peters) Mika, McKaela Mika; his first great grandchildren are due in July and October. He is also survived by his sisters: Lorraine (Charles) Kurtansky of Reese, Linda (Charles) Anklam of Port St. Lucie, FL; brothers: John (Janice) Mika of Decker, George (Sharon) Mika of Caro, Robert (Romina) Mika of Port Orchard, WA; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kristi; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Richard Tetil; brother, James Mika and his parents.
Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 in St. Pancratius Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Bala and Sr. Maria Dina Puddu MC, officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Pallbearers for Mr. Mika: Deric Murphy, Dylan Murphy, Keith Mika, Joel Hessler, Logan Mika, and Tyler Erla. Military honors under the direction of U.S. Navy and Cass City VFW Post#3644. Memorials may be made to United Hospice of Marlette Residence Center or Our Lady of the Woods Shrine, Mio. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home - Cass City
2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home - Cass City
Vigil Service 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home - Cass City
10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 in St. Pancratius Catholic Church - Cass City
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz (989) 872-2195
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