Gary Walter Mika

Bay City, Michigan

Gary W. Mika, age 77, of Bay City, Michigan passed away peacefully Friday afternoon January 3, 2025 at his home after a lingering battle with COPD. Gary was born June 18, 1947 in Bay City, Michigan to the late Joseph and Mary (Cybart) Mika. He enlisted in the United States ARMY August 25, 1966 and proudly served until his honorable discharge August 23, 1968. Exactly one year later, he married the former Jean Savage at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bay City, Michigan and together they began their family raising four children, Michelle, Michael, Jason, and Jill. In his spare time, you could catch Gary fishing or hunting. He excelled in archery even winning a national title and a chance at a trip to Sweden which he ultimately turned down. He and Jean traveled the country which he dearly loved especially sharing these times with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gary was a proud member of the P.L.A.V. Post 162 in Bay City, a racing enthusiast and cherished his 1964 Ford Fairlane.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jean; children, Michelle McQuillen, Michael (Karen) Mika, Jason (Brandy) Mika, and Jill (Rocky) Menear; eleven grandchildren, Alexandra, Ariana, Collin, Amara, Rebecca, Hunter, Morgan, Landon, Tristan, Kamryn, and Isiah; four great-grandchildren, Noah, Amiah, Alexander, and Oliver; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Joseph and Mary, Gary was preceded in death by father and mother-in-law, Richard and Doris Savage.

Visitation for Gary will take place on Thursday January 9, 2025 from 3-6:00 p.m. at Ambrose Funeral Home, 1200 Garfield Ave., Bay City, Michigan 48706. Military honors will be rendered by the Michigan Army National Guard beginning at 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will immediately follow with Hank Messing presiding of Corpus Christi Parish, Holy Trinity Church. Cremation will follow according to his wishes. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider contributions to wishes of the family, C/O Jean Mika to be designated for a future organization. An online guest registry is available at www.ambrosefuneralchapel.com