Emma Mika

Emma B. Mika, 97, of Chippewa Falls, died Sunday, August 9, 2015, at The Rutledge Home in Chippewa Falls, WI. Emma was born in Duluth, Minnesota on March 7, 1918 to Ida (David) and Harry Hardy.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. (David) Gutknecht, Chippewa Falls, Judith K. (David) West, Willcox, Arizona; grandchildren, Shari (Jon) O'Connell, Susan Gutknecht all of Chippewa Falls, Stacy (Rod) Borderding, Yuma, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Samantha Tiger, Wichita, Kansas, Tricia Radke, Jennifer Radke, Chippewa Falls, Melissa (Tim) Placek, Onalaska, Jessica (Stephen) Ozwoldide, New Jersey, Brian Borgerding, Katheryn Borgerding, Yuma, Arizona, Chris (Jamie) O'Connell, Bloomer, Corey (Suzie) O'Connell, Baldwin; great-great grandchildren, Keion David, Kobey Keven Jon, Alana Lynn, Alivia Lee, Finley Ann, Avery June, Adam David, Michael and David. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews from Maple, Brule, Iron River and Superior. She cherished the friendships of life- long friends from Minnesota, Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois and Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore; her parents; brother, Michael Patrick Hardy; sister, Ruby Donaldson; two sons, Carl and Thomas Hilp; her beloved grandson, David Joseph Gutknecht; beloved granddaughter, Sally Wilson Tiger and son-in-law, Mayo Wilson.

Emma lived for 32 years in Tucson, Arizona and during her years there she was a member of Post #4903 and Eagles #180, the Hospital Auxiliary of Tucson. She was an active member and organizer of the bowling league for senior citizens. Emma was a championship golfer and bowler in Tucson. She was a Cosmotologist. After moving to Chippewa Falls, she was active in the Chippewa Falls Women's Club and a member of the Visually Impaired Organization. Emma enjoyed traveling between Wisconsin and Arizona.

We will remember Emma for her compassionate care for the terminally ill, her generosity to all people throughout her lifetime.

"A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam. And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies on again and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church Endowment Trust Fund of Chippewa Falls or to the St. Charles Parish Children's Fund of Chippewa Falls in Emma's memory. "Do this in remembrance of me."

Our appreciation to all of those that touched our mother's life in special ways that she treasured and held close to her heart during her lifetime.

Go in peace mother - You will be forever remembered in our hearts. God Bless you.

It was our mother's request that there be no visitation and no funeral. The family honors that request.