(1954 Graduate Of Lyons High School)
Charles “Charlie” Mika, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30 at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, OH, after suffering brief complications from pneumonia. He was surrounded by family as he departed his life on earth.
Charlie considered himself to be a lucky man who was blessed with a good life. He was born in Lyons, OH, to Czech immigrants Frank and Anna (Smistik) Mika.
He was the youngest of nine children that included Joseph (Janice), Mary (Paul) Radcliffe, Frances (Harold Schneider), Frank (Marion), Martin (Helen), Helen (Jack) Springer, and Jerry (Ginie), and a brother John who died at birth.
Everyone worked on their farm where Charlie developed a humble nature with a strong work ethic, family pride, and a deep Catholic faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and his second wife Dolores (Swartz Sanford).
Charlie is survived by his loving wife Ruth (Lumbrezer McGhee), daughters Carol Iott (husband Jim, children Nate, Emily, and Lauren), Cathleen Kauffman, Christy LePitre (children Joseph and Isabelle), son Anthony; stepsons Scott Sanford (wife Carol, children Julieanne and Jeffrey), Christopher Sanford (wife Patti, children Jana, Danielle, and Michael), Ken Sanford (children Kenny, Kaden, and Konner), Mike McGhee (wife Mary, children Sam and Danielle); stepdaughters Mary Carson (husband Jack, children Ashley, Brittany, and Levi), Marsha Blevins (husband Dave and son Cole), and Michele Parker (children Kristin and Justin); 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and extended family.
Following his graduation from Lyons High School in 1954, he attended college for one year at the University of Detroit before joining the U.S. Army in 1956. He was stationed in Germany at a post-Korean War Army Base.
After returning to the U.S. in 1958, he worked for 44 years as an employee of S.E. Johnson Construction Company where he started as a laborer and successfully progressed through company leadership positions including cement finisher, concrete foreman, and culminating as a job superintendent before retiring in 1999.
Charlie was an active member of the community throughout his life. He belonged to Holy Trinity Parish in Assumption, where he was involved in a variety of volunteer roles including the Parish Council, School Board, and Little League coach.
He was also a Life Member of St. Mary’s Catholic War Veteran’s Post #306 in Assumption. During his CWV tenure he served in numerous leadership roles including 8 terms as Post Commander and State of Ohio Director for over 20 years.
He chaired numerous CWV events including Wild Game Dinners, Annual Post Picnics, Luaus, Euchre Nights, and Holiday Parties. He also arranged outdoor Masses and Corporate Communions, and participated in numerous parades and military services for the community.
Charlie enjoyed his life in retirement, especially his trips to Florida each winter. He was a loyal Buckeyes fan, and was well-known for his famous BBQ chicken enjoyed by family and friends over the years.
While Charlie’s physical presence will no longer be with us, his greatest legacy will be his love of family and his hope that family celebrations continue for the next generation.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6 from 4-8 pm at Weigel Funeral Home, 413 Main Street, Metamora, OH, 43540. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, January 7 from 10-11 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2649 US 20, Swanton (Assumption), OH, 43558; followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow at Lyons Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Charlie’s memory toward the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Assumption or St. Mary’s CWV Post #306.