Michael Richard Mikus

Michael Richard Mikus was born May 5, 1969 in McHerny, Illinois. He was the youngest of two children, having an older sister.

Mike was married to Susan Renae Linker July 8, 1994. On June 23rd, 2010, Mike became a father to Kaelynn Elizabeth Mikus, age 10.

Mike leaves a legacy of love and laughter with his family and those who knew him. It is impossible to express how much he will be missed. He was a wonderful husband, best friend, soul mate, my rock and I loved him dearly. Mike was a great dad and I remember the day Kaelynn was born he was so excited; he was almost afraid to hold her in fear that she might break. They became inseparable and spent hours laughing and playing games. They drove me crazy playing Panic at the Disco "Victorious" over and over. I would give anything to hear them argue about the next song.

Mike was a gentle soul with a smile that would light up a room. He had a way that was calming and always made you feel better no matter what. He always told me not to worry but to turn it over to God. Though I know this is the truth, somehow not having him around to remind me just doesn't seem the same. He loved the mountains and spending time with family. His favorite place was Colorado. Mike often said that the Colorado mountains is where God hung out. I guess it is fitting that Colorado is where Mike went home to be with the Lord.

Mike was an accomplished musician, he played the trombone in ASU marching band, was a percussion instructor at Buckeye High School, taught grade school music at Arlington Elementary, as well as various other musical endeavors including the rock bands The James Douglas band and Souljourn. He received various awards and scholarships for his musical talents over the years. Mike was a praise and worship leader; he played drums and sang like an angel. His voice made you feel the words of worship causing you to tear up.

Mike's most recent profession was a maintenance engineer for Edgenuity. He enjoyed his job as well as the friendship of his co-workers. Mike supported and loved us all. He was always there to help me through life's challenges. He is in Heaven now, but I know he is looking down at Kaelynn and I with that great big beautiful smile saying "I love you baby, forge ahead and make the best of life and I'll see you again one day".

Mike is survived by his wife, Susan Renae Mikus, daughter, Kaelynn Elizabeth Mikus, his parents Richard Mikus and Jerrilyn Mikus, sister Michelle Mikus, uncles, David Glen Mikus, Michael Mikus, cousins, Jamie Prusak, Robin Dierking, Scott Dierking, Kimberly Israel, Camalla Mikus, Christopher Mikus, Katherine Mikus, Jeremy Mikus, Elizabeth Mikus, and Nicholas Mikus, nephews Zalek Linker, Nathan Busch, Patrick Busch, Reilly Mikus and Logan Busch, nieces Ameret Carlson and Hannah Busch. He also leaves behind his loving in-laws, father-in-law John Linker, mother-in-law, Kathleen Linker and sister-in-law, Shelby Busch.