Melvin Mika, 97, Kansas City, KS passed away peacefully May 24, 2026. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Cathedral of St. Peter, 416 N. 14th, Kansas City, KS followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. The ensuing Burial Ceremony will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. If you wish to send flowers, you can order from Michaels Heritage Flowers at www.michaelsheritageflowers.com.
Melvin was born August 11, 1928, in Council Groves, KS. He married Coelesta Bollin, settled down in Kansas City, KS and graduated from Bishop Ward High School, where he also learned to play the clarinet. Melvin worked tirelessly for Southwestern Bell starting as a frame man and retiring after 43 years as an Area Manager. When he wasn't at work, he was busy as a board member for Wyandotte swim club. He worked his way up to Treasurer and even had a stint as President. As a lifetime member of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Melvin was also involved in countless community organizations: St. Mary's food kitchen, Stewardship Committee, Parish Council, a dedicated lector, St. Vincent DePaul, Parent Teacher Association, Catholic Youth Organization, and at one point, he was the president of the Holy Name society. For 30 years, he was especially passionate in supporting REACH, a program for church members with special needs.
He rarely missed a Saturday night mass and associated activities. He also counted money for the weekend masses - and let's not forget the Funeral Lunch Program (It's said that he made an incredible Angel Food Cake). Perhaps where Melvin was at his best was serving 10 years as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts where he was presented with the St. George award. He loved coaching, training, and participating in all the activities they had to offer. But what Melvin truly loved were family vacations. He packed up his family in the station wagon every summer to travel to the mountains, lakes, oceans and occasional trips to Iowa to see relatives. Over time, his love for water and adventure led to annual family lake vacations, from Lake Perry to the Lake of the Ozarks.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents George & Lois Mika, sister Arlene Thompson, his wife, Coelesta Mika and sons Daniel Mika & Alan Mika. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Donald Mika (wife Judy), Julie Mika, Joseph Mika, Tony Mika, Andy Mika (wife Julie), 12 grandchildren & 12 great grandchildren; Tim Mika (wife Heather, kids Tyler & Jacob), Todd Mika (wife Brett), Kristin Bates (husband Ryan, kids Cooper, Molly and Libby), Ali Meshkin (husband Kaine, kids Olivia, Mackenzie & Julianne), Matt Eckhardt (wife Jesse, kids Avery & Penelope), Amanda Mika, Melissa Mika (husband Michael), Sam Mika Levine (son Beau) Caleb Mika (wife Chloe, son Kai), Preston Mika (wife Jane), Kyle Mika & Hannah Mika.