Michael "Mike" James Mincks

Michael "Mike" James Mincks

Cedar Rapids

Michael “Mike” James Mincks, 35, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away unexpectedly on July 8, 2022, from an unknown heart condition.

Mike was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 6, 1987, to Chuck and Kathy Mincks. He graduated from A. J. Dimond High School in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2005. While at Dimond, Mike enjoyed being part of the theater, student council and debate team. Mike also enjoyed playing and watching hockey. He played hockey for many years with the Anchorage Hockey Association. He went on to study business management at the University of Alaska.

He was the youngest of three siblings. Mike spent most of his life in Alaska but traveled often to Iowa to be with his dad and stepmom, Sue, and sister, Christi. Many summers were spent backpacking with his dad in numerous national parks such as the Tetons, Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone.

Mike worked in various management and construction jobs throughout his life, however, recently found his passion working at a residential treatment facility as a youth program director. There, he made a difference in the lives of young adults struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.

In 2019, he welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, Adira Mincks -- truly his pride and joy. Adira meant the world to him and filled his heart with so much love and joy. Much like his daughter, Mike had a smile that would light up a room. Along with that huge smile he had a heart of gold, always willing to help someone in need. He was a giving, caring, humble soul. Smart and stubborn, almost to a fault.

Michael is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Adira Mincks; mother, Kathy (Bob) Mincks-Broadhurst; stepmother, Sue Mincks; sister, Christi (Duane) Geyer, niece, Faith Geyer; sister, Nikki (Brandon) Cuaresma, niece, Addy Solberg, nephews, Jace and Koa Cuaresma; aunt, Vicky Scott; aunt, Jeanne Cole; uncle, Chris (Lisa) Mincks; and cousins, Nick (Amy) Cole, Ashley Cole, Kate Helle, Carson Brammer, Duncan (Kathryn) Mincks and Graham Mincks. He is also survived by Grandpa Klenske; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins on his stepmom’s side of the family. Our loss is shared by many extended family and friends.

Preceded in death, Michael is now united with his father, Chuck Mincks; Grandpa Jim and Grandma Dixie Mincks; Grandpa Phil and Grandma Nancy Brammer; uncle, Joe Brammer; and uncle, Tom Brammer.

Michael’s life will be honored in Anchorage, Alaska, and again in his hometown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Sept. 25, 2022.