George Edward Mika

George Edward Mika, 72, of Houghton Lake (formerly of Caro) passed away from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on Sunday June 2, 2024 at his home with his loving family at his side.

George was born on October 12, 1951 in Cass City, Michigan to John and Helen (Polheber) Mika.  He grew up in the Cass City area, graduated from Cass City High School, and went on to attend Central Michigan University.  While at CMU, he met Sharon Ann Gest of Roseville, Michigan, whom he proposed to and married after the couple graduated in May 1974.  George and Sharon moved back to the area where he grew up, establishing residence in Caro, Michigan.  He was a handyman who enjoyed woodworking and did much of the work himself on the family's first and only home in Caro, while also working at Walbro Corporation for 20 years as the purchasing manager.  George worked the remainder of his career as the sales manager at Anrod Screen Cylinder in Cass City until his retirement in 2018.  He was an active member of the community, serving as a member of the Planning Commission in Ellington Township, as well as the Planning Commission and Board of Review in Lake Township after his retirement.  Friends and family remember him selling tootsie rolls, making pumpkin pies, or calling out bingo numbers as a 4th degree knight and past Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus Assembly in Caro.  In Retirement, George was also a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Queen of Apostles Council in Houghton Lake, Michigan. He was an avid golfer, participating for many years in a golfing league at the Caro Golf Club.  Throughout his life, George enjoyed time spent at the family's home in Houghton Lake, where he and Sharon later retired.  In the springtime, he could be found at his daughter's house in Louisiana, taking in the sights and sounds of  Mardi Gras.  He found joy in boating, fishing, hunting, and cooking s'mores with his children and grandchildren.  George always tended to a prolific garden, and the care he took around both garden and home reflected his tireless commitment to caring for those around him.

Surviving Mr. Mika are his loving wife of 50 years, Sharon Mika of Houghton Lake; daughter, Andrea Mika of Metairie, LA; son, Stephen (Sarah) Mika of Belmont, MI; three grandsons, Max, Charlie, and Ben; two sisters, Lorraine (Chuck) Kurtansky of Fenton, and Linda Anklam of Port St. Lucie, FL; two brothers, John Mika of Decker, and Robert (Romina) Mika of Tacoma, WA; many nieces and nephews.  George was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Tetil; and two brothers, Richard, and James.

Mass of Christian Burial for George Edward Mika will be conducted at 11:00am Saturday June 22, 2024 from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Prudenville, with Fr. Peter Eke JCD officiating.  Visitation will be held at Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel on Friday June 21, 2024 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm with the Rosary being recited at 6:00pm by the Knights of Columbus Council 6548.  Memorial contributions in memory of George and asked to be directed to McNally Hospitality House, 1701 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan  48602.  Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family.  Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com

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