MIKA – Ernest A. Mika age 85 of Grand Rapids passed away June 3 2011. He was preceded in death by his brothers Dr. Leonard Mika and Harry Mika and his first wife Marilyn Eardley. He is survived by his wife Lucy Henry; his sister-in-law Mary Eardley; eight children Julie Scott Jim (Wendy) Mika Steve (Eloise) Mika Molly Peskin Maureen (John) Eberly Mary Ellen (John) Job John (Amy) Mika Amy (Scott) Grant; four stepchildren Tom Weaver Jr., Gary Weaver Mary Beth Mercatante and Jim (Barb) Weaver; 34 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Ernie graduated with honors from Central High School and as valedictorian from Grand Rapids Junior College. He earned scholarships that paid his undergraduate and law school tuition at the University of Michigan. He graduated a year early with a law degree from the University of Michigan. Ernie was a founding partner of the law firm Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones. He helped grow the business recruit attorneys and manage the firm while practicing business and energy-related law for nearly 50 years. His clients included Shell Oil Corporation Amoco American Natural Resources Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and Miller Brothers Oil Company. Ernie gave of himself unselfishly throughout his life to family friends and community. He served many organizations as an officer and director. He was trustee and secretary of the Foster Welfare Foundation president of the Grand Rapids Bar Association chairman of the Grand Rapids Foundation director of the Michigan Oil and Gas Association president of the University Club of Grand Rapids and trustee of the University of Michigan Board of Control of Intercollegiate Athletics. Ernie was president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Men head of the Building Committee at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Church founding president of the IHM Board of Education executive campaign cabinet member of St. Andrew’s School director of St. Ann’s Home divisional board member of St. Mary’s Hospital and president of the Serra Club promoting religious vocations. He also served on the IHM Finance Committee as well as the Catholic Secondary Schools Fund Development Committee. He was special advisor to numerous pastors at IHM Church and legal representative for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids. Ernie was highly respected by his colleagues and made significant contributions to the Bar Association the legal profession and the community. His service stood out for its extraordinary impact on the life of the community. Numerous awards included the Donald R. Worsfold Distinguished Service Award from the Grand Rapids Bar Association the Thomas More Award from the Catholic Lawyers Association of West Michigan induction in the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Hall of Fame and the Parent Award from Michigan State University. All eight of his children graduated from Catholic schools and either the University of Michigan or Michigan State University. In 1999 Ernie suffered a severe stroke while playing tennis and was rendered unable to speak and partially paralyzed (limited to a wheelchair). Despite these afflictions he kept a positive attitude and continued to live life to the fullest and accept what was handed to him. He was graced with years of devoted care by his wife Lucy and had the opportunity to enjoy seeing many of his grandchildren grow up. His friends and family continued to visit and keep him active and interested. His motto was Life is for the living, and he showed it with the energy he put into daily life. Ernie was active in the Grand Rapids Rotary the University Club the Grand Rapids Country Club the Grand Rapids Racquet Club and the East Grand Rapids Badminton Club. In addition to being an avid tennis player he enjoyed playing bridge and attending University of Michigan football games. Visitation at the funeral home 6 to 8 p.m. as well as 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. with a sharing of memories at 7 p.m. Monday. Mass of Christian Burial offered at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Plymouth and Burton SE. Entombment at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made payable to Holy Cross Mission Center, PO Box 543 Notre Dame Indiana 46556 in memory of Rev. Robert T. Hesse’s mission in Uganda or St. Cecilia Marilyn Eardley Mika Music Library, 24 Ransom NE Grand Rapids Michigan 49503. O’Brien Eggebeen Gerst
