Joseph Francis Mika

Calling Hours: Monday, February 20th from 4 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora

Joseph Francis Mika entered into eternal rest, Friday evening, February 17, 2012, one day after his 95th birthday. He resided at Charlotte Stephenson Manor in Adrian, Michigan. Joe was born to Frank and Mary Mika on February 16, 1917 in Britton, Michigan. He was the second child of nine, born to his proud Czechoslovakian parents. At age five, the family moved to Lyons, Ohio by horse and wagon. Joe grew up helping on the family farm picking tomatoes, milking cows, and plowing fields.

Fascinated with airplanes and flying, Joseph Mika enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 25. Joe started his military career as a cook on the military base. A year later, Joe applied to an aircraft mechanics school. Joe taught at the mechanics school, yet still had aspirations to be a pilot. After passing the written and physical sections of the pilot training exam, Joe traveled to California for basic training and to Arizona for pilot training. Joe was a flight instructor during World War II. He continued his military education that included aircraft maintenance, electronics, radar, radio communication, air traffic-control, and landing systems. Joe thrived on bettering himself and believed the tougher the job, the better. Joe held each rank of an enlisted man from private first class to warrant officer, as well as, becoming a first lieutenant, second lieutenant, captain, major, and lieutenant colonel.

Throughout his military career, Joe traveled the world: The Philippines, Alaska, Russia, Panama, Iceland and more. Lieutenant Colonel Joseph F. Mika served in World War II, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His commitment and dedication to his country was a source of pride and defined him as a man. Lt. Col. Mika earned the U.S. Marine Corps Unit Presidential Award for his heroism during the battle of Khe-Sanh when he rescued Marines that were pinned down.

Joe met his soul mate and wife, Janice at a USO dance in Champaign, Illinois. They were married on November 29, 1944 and spent 64 loving years together. During their youth, Jan accompanied Joe on many of his military trips. They were devout Catholics and active members of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish.

Joe and Jan did not have children of their own; however, “Uncle Joe” was loved by his many nieces and nephews. In their leisure time Joe and Jan loved to spend time with their extended family, play cards, bowl and participate in activities through the Catholic War Veterans Post 306 and Lyons VFW. Joe was an avid golfer and a classic car enthusiast. He also was a generous and active community member contributing to many charitable causes.

Joe is survived by his brother, Charlie Mika, brother, Jerry Mika (Virginia), and sister-in-laws, Helen Mika and Betty Colt as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Frank Mika Sr., his mother, Mary Mika, step-mother, Anna Mika, wife, Janice Mika, brothers, Frank Mika Jr. (Marian), Martin Mika, John Mika, and sisters, Mary Radcliffe (Paul), Francis Schneider (Harold), Helen Springer (Jack) and sister-in-law Dolores Mika.

Friends and family may visit Monday, February 20, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora, where a Catholic War Veterans and Lyons VFW service will be held at 7:00 pm followed by a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Prayers will begin Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 9:45 am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 am at Holy Trinity (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church at Marygrove, 1750 N. Raab Road in Swanton, with Fr. Ron Schock officiating. Interment, with Military Rites, will follow at Lyons Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charlotte Stephenson Manor, 581 Kimole Lane, Adrian, MI, 49221 or Hospice of Lenawee County, 415 Mill Rd., Adrian, MI 49221.

The family expresses a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Lenawee County and especially the excellent staff at Charlotte Stephenson Manor for their wonderful and loving care.

Please click on photo below to view Memorial Tribute

Residence: Adrian, Michigan, formerly of Lyons, Ohio

Mass of Resurrection: Tuesday, February 21st at 10:30 am at Holy Trinity (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church at Marygrove

Interment: Lyons Cemetery