Florence Micka

FLORENCE MICKA

Cedar Rapids

Florence Micka, 89, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. A visitation will be on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, from 4 to

7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. vigil and a 6:30 p.m. remembrance time at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, at 10 a.m. at

All Saints Catholic Church.

Florence Micka was born June 7, 1929, to Bernice and Leo Miller in Minneapolis, Minn. Like many Depression-era children whose families couldn't provide for them, she and her siblings were separated from their parents and placed in an orphanage and then in foster homes. Florence and her sister Bernice were reunited with their brother Ed before he went into the service in World War II.

Florence worked in a candy store during high school and then for St. Paul Fire Marine Insurance. Florence married Jerome A. Micka on Oct. 28, 1950. She often said that Jerry's was the first real family she ever knew. Florence's childhood made her determined that her own family would always be well taken care of and loved. Jerry and Florence lived in Cicero, Ill., then Waterloo, and finally settled in Cedar Rapids.

They raised five children. When the children grew up, she volunteered with her husband for the Knights of Columbus and with Visiting Nurses. She and Jerry enjoyed their many travels. Florence was witty with a great sense of humor. She was a tiny woman but had a feisty spirit we all loved. She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, quilting, gardening, reading, bridge, cooking, baking, singalongs and family get-togethers. Her dear friends and family will all miss her.

Survivors: Husband, Jerome Micka; children, Mary (Gary) Franck of Lisbon, Sue (Bill) Tietz of West Branch, Mike (Diane) Micka of Cedar Rapids, Betty (Chris) Rolwes of Cedar Rapids and Carol (Greg) Johnson of Marion; 11 grandchildren, Leah (Derek) Zhorne, Tom (Falen) Micka, Steven, Spencer and Tyler Micka, Elizabeth Micka, Grant Goodman, Emma Rolwes and Nate, Suzanne and Kelly Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Evan Zhorne and Leighton Micka; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Bernice Miller; father and mother-in-law, William F. and Elizabeth Micka; brother, Edward Miller and wife Ruth; sister, Bernice Lynch and husband Don; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kaki and Bill Micka, Betty and Al Tierney and Theresa and Jack Wadlund, all from Minnesota.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Summit Pointe and Hiawatha Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following organizations: Catholic Charities, Camp Courageous or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.