Charles Raymond Mika

1936 - 2024

Charles Raymond Mika

August 17, 1936 - December 30, 2024

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, 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 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home, 413 Main Street, Metamora, OH, 43540. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, January 7 from 10-11 a.m., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2649 U.S. 20, Swanton (Assumption), OH, 43558, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. 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.

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