Army Cpl. Joseph P. Micks, age 22, of Rapid River, died Saturday July 8, 2006 as a result of injuries sustained in combat operations while faithfully serving in Iraq.
Joe was born October 18, 1983, in Tacoma, WA, the son of Kenneth and Amy (Brunette) Micks. Joe was a 2002 Rapid River High School graduate and was dually enrolled at the Bay de Noc Community College during his senior year at Rapid River. Joe went on to attend Baker College in Owasso, MI before enlisting in the United States Army National Guard. Joe eventually became a full active duty soldier and was stationed in Germany with the United States Army Engineering Battalion. Shortly before his deployment to Iraq, in November of 2005, Joe married the former Ramona Mindt, in Germany where Ramona currently resides. Joe is remembered as being a very intelligent, generous, kind- hearted young man who had a strong willingness to help others. He achieved high academic honors in high school, tutored fellow students and was a member and alter server at the St. Charles Church in Rapid River. Joe was a member of the local Boy Scouts organization where he gained high honors as an Eagle Scout. He enjoyed playing golf, playing and managing basketball and collecting baseball cards and sports memorabilia. Joe will be deeply missed by family and friends and always remembered for his selfless sacrifices made to his country.
In addition to his loving wife Ramona, Joe is survived by his parents, Kenneth and Amy Micks of Rapid River:
1 Brother: Andrew
Anonymous
My heart goes out to the Mick’s family. I am also stationed at Bamberg, Germany where Joseph Mick was stationed. My husband, SFC Christopher Nichols (former resident of Escanaba, Michigan), is also deployed to Iraq at this time. If there is anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask me. Your son has done the ultimate sacrifice that allows people the freedom many take for granted. His duty and respect to the United States will always be remembered. May peace be with you.
Andria Nichols
Bamberg, Germany
I recently visited New York City. On Sunday, July 16 I attended Marble Collegiate Church with a group of people I was traveling with. During the service one of the pastors announced the names of those who had died in the war during the past week. At the end of the service anyone was invited to tie a ribbon with the name of one of those soldiers on it on the fence surrounding the church. As a visitor to the church, I chose to do this. The name on my ribbon was Joseph P. Micks. It was sad to see the fence filled with so many ribbons, knowing what they all meant. Thank you Spc. Micks for your service to our country.
Sue Voskuil
Cedar Grove, WI
Dear Ken, Amy, Andy and Ramona,
I met Joe (and Andy) at Camp Hiawatha when we all served on staff there. Joe served under me on the waterfront staff for a time, and I was always struck by Joe’s rugged determination to set his own goals and to accomplish those goals in his own way.
Joe was a staff member that I could always count on in an emergency situation. No matter what else was going on around camp or on the waterfront, when the siren started to wail, steady Joe was there.
Joe’s loss lessens all of us. He will never be forgotten.
May God bless all of you.
Jim Guzek
Charlotte, MI
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Joe. He sounds like a great young man. What he did for our country is the greatest sacrifice you can make. Like I said I did not know Joe or his family, but I have heard more great things about him since his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God has taken him in His hands and will comfort him forever. God Bless, and Thank You Joe.
Military Family
Escanaba, MI
Your son is a true hero and I am so proud of him and sorry for you loss. He died doing the greatest service to our country and us. Because of men like him my sons can grow up in freedom
April Guindon
Escanaba, MI
May God comfort you in your in of loss, Joe was a great kid. You are in are thoughts and prays.
Norman & Karen, Becky and Tim Fleury
Rapid, River, MI
Dear Joe, thank you.
Rest in peace good and faithful servant.
The Charles Seronko family
Kathleen Seronko
Gladstone, MI
Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family at this very difficult time. We are truly sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time and always. May you find peace in the days ahead and know your son was a true Hero!
Craig, Dodie, Zachary, Hannah, & Cassidy Micheau
Rapid River, MI
Joe and I graduated together in the same year (’02). We attended a very small school, so, of course, everybody knows everybody. Joe was one of a kind, and I think all of our other classmates would agree. He was a very quick witted individual, that knew how to get a reaction out of people (in a good way). Everybody knew Joe. And whether you liked him or not, he could always make you laugh. The world will not be as a happy of a place without him.
It is hard to beleive this is real. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
You WILL be missed, Joe.
Terry Eskofski
Auburn Hills, MI
You have my deepest sympathy. Your son is a credit to our country and our community. My heart goes out to you and all of Joe’s loved ones.
Another military mom
Gladstone, MI
I’ve known Joe and Andy for quite a few years now, we all enlisted around the same time. Spent many fun times together, just laughing it up. Joe’s spirit is truly one of great kindness, and a lot of courage. Never scared, thats for sure. He will be forever missed and i will always hold a place in my heart and my deep condolences goes out to all his family and friends.
Grace Johnson
Escanaba, MI
Joe, we’re all going to miss you…I was waiting for the day for you to be done and come home with a wife and kids, having seen the world. Now, I know you are with God, and that we’ll meet again one day, but we’re all going to miss you terribly until then. May your family and your wife know how very proud we all are of you, and how much we honor what you did for the world. We all love you, kiddo! “Aunty” Cara, “Uncle” Don, Neena, Aslynn, Hayley, Gary and Beth
Cara Brockway
Rapid River, MI
Joe was a great person to be around and always have a smile on his face. He will be sadly missed and we will never forget him and will always be in our hearts. Our prayers go out to all of his family and friends.
Jeffrey And Heather Khollman
Escanaba, MI
Ken, Amy, Andy, and Ramona,
I want to express my sympathies to all of you. I went to school with Joe. He always wore that unique smile of his. Joe is definitely a hero in the true sense of the word. You are all in our prayers.
Ryan and JoAnne (Lundberg) Spence
Negaunee, MI
My heart goes out to Joseph’s family and friends. I am sorry for your loss. Joseph’s sacrafice in his service to this country has not gone unnoticed.
Prayers are with you all at this time. May the Good Lord take Joseph in and comfort him.
A Fellow American
Lansing, MI
Dear Family,
This may seem like such a wrong time to express my grief to you about your loss but I want to tell you that I am proud of him. I just moved away from Gladstone a year and a half ago. If I was there today, I would be there to express our thanks to the family of this great Man. The world is now very dangerous and our way of life only exists because of Men like this one. I salute him and honor him. I’m very sorry for your loss and I will carry some of this with me. I will honor him every Veterans Day.
Don Gantz
Srien, WI
I did now know Jospeph but my heart goes out to all of his family. May God console you at this difficult time.
Shawn M. Smith
Milford, MI
I admired Joe for his straightforwardness, he spoke what was on his mind. For his service to country, he will always be remembered.
Sgt. Jesse C. Sherman USMC
Camp Pendleton, MI
I met Joe at Clear Lake Camp in middle school. We kept in touch for awhile after camp. We talked at track meets and he always had a smiling face. Even though we did not stay in conact through our high school years, I would hear things from friends who know I know him. It was always nice to hear how he was doing. I was sadden as I drove through Rapid River and my mother told me of Joe. My prayers are with his family and friends. God be with you, as he is with God.
Trista Buzzo
Manistique, MI
To The Micks Family,
I can not begin to express how saddened I am by your loss. Being in a military family myself I can understand what you are going through, but at the same time I have no idea. My husband and father have both spent a year in Iraq. My husband will be going back for his second tour this fall. He is from Escanaba and I am from Manistique so when a tragedy happens in the small areas that we live in it really hits you hard. Joe sounds like he was a wonderful man and a dedicated soldier. His sacrifice will not go unrecognized.
The Final Role Call
We thought of you with love today
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence
We often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we’ll never part
God has you in His keeping
We have you in our Heart.
Sgt. Daniel & Amanda Weber
Fort Hood, TX
Dear Micks Family,
We do not know you personally, we are deeply sorry to here about your son. He will always be a Hero from the time he put on that uniform. We have a son with the 46th MP Unit oput of Kingsford that was just Deployed on Sunday July 9th, 2006, for Fort Dick’s and then on to Iraq. You will all be in our prayers. We Thank You from our Hearts, for your son was the ultimate sacrifice for our Country and Freedom. May the Great Spirit be with, hold, take care of, and give your Family the strength to carry on.
You are on our pray chain.
God Bless.
Len & Faye Mroczkowski
Parents of SPC Derek Gagne, 46th MP.
Wilson, MI
To the Micks Family-
We are so very sorry to hear the news of your son, husband and brother. Thank-You for allowing Joe to honor and serve our country. We are so proud of him as to what he has accomplished and the dedication that he had to us and his country.
Thinking of your family,
God-Bless all of you in this time.
SSG Craig and Mary Barnhart
Escanaba, MI
Dearest Ken, Amy and Andy,
Still can’t believe that Joe is gone, and can’t even begin to imagine the heart-breaking grief you’re going through. There’s absolutely nothing worse than losing your child. Joe had such a crazy sense of humor and unbelievable self-confidence. I can still see him and that big smile/smirk of his–it makes me smile to think of it! Although it may not help right now, Joe’s in heaven and you will see him again. “It’s not how much you loved, but how much you’re loved by those you left behind.”
Tony and Lollie Eskofski
Rapid River, MI
Dear Micks Family,
On behalf of St. Charles Borromeo parish, I wish to extend to you grieving family, our assurances of prayer and support. Joe made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country, in the service of peace, his very own precious, young life.
While we are all aware that death is a part of life, we are never ready for it, we always want a little bit more, we want little more time. A death of someone like Joe is a painful reminder of brevity of life, nonetheless God’s infinite mercy given to us, in order that we show compassion and mercy to the grieving family. You are in our prayers, Joe we commend you to the Mercy of God. Rest in the Peace of Christ.
Fr. Jacek S. Wtyklo
Pastor
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
Rapid River, MI
Dear Ken, Amy, and Andy,
It is with great sadness and regret that I write to express sympathy to you from myself and from the Scouts and leaders of the Hiawathaland Council. My personal memories of Joe are of his cheerfulness, friendliness, and willingness to help. I know from his time on camp staff at Camp Hiawatha, he could get into mischief, but he learned from his mistakes and made things right.
I remember being at Joe’s Eagle Court of Honor. Part of the ceremony was the Eagle Scout Charge, which included,
“I charge you to be among those who dedicate their skills and ability to the common good. Build America on the solid foundations of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence for God and, whatever others say or may do, you leave behind you a record of which every Scout may be justly proud.”
In his brief years, Joe fulfilled that charge completely and leaves a stellar record. An Eagle has fallen, but his spirit soars. His memory will live and he will be an inspiration to generations of Scouts at Camp Hiawatha.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief which we share.
Sincerely,
Dewey Jones
Scout Executive
Hiawathaland Council, Boy Scouts of America
Marquette, MI
Joe and I were friends from high school. My favorite memory of Joe was our first camping trip at Au train after high school. Joe was definitely one of a kind. I will always remember that weekend. Joe will be greatly missed.
Chrissy King
Escanaba, MI
To the Micks family, I am so sorry for the loss of your son, brother, husband, friend. I knew Joe when he was with Charlie Co. and I am still with the company as the medic. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
SPC Tracee Fortin
Charlevoix, MI
Dear Kenny, Amy and Andy,
Please accept our deepest condolences…words cannot express our sorrow. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. God Bless Joe for his bravery and service to our country and may he rest in peace. He is our hero!
Genevieve Koss Hensley
Chicago, IL
May Jesus hold you in the Cradle of his Hands in these Hard times, Spc Joesph Micks is a True Hero and His loss is a Great Loss for The United States and Michigan. God Bless You Spc. Micks and your Family and Friends.
I will be there to Honor your Sacrafice to our Country and for Fighting to keep People Free.
Michael Welch
Grand Rapids, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Your son is a true inspriation and a hero. He died with dignity and honor and will never be forgotten!! Thank You for raising such a brave and noble son. His memory will live in the hearts of many for the years to come.
SSG Joshua & Jamie Grimes
Wiesbaden, Germany, DU
Dear Amy, Ken, Andy, and Ramona,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Tom, Nicole, and Emma Wagner
Escanaba, MI
Joe and I graduated together and I have to say he was one of my good friends throughout high school. Any memory of Joe puts a smile on your face, that is how great of a person he was. My prayers go out to his wife and family. He will always be a hero in our hearts and will be deeply missed.
Deepest sympathy,
David, Gina, Samantha, Chelsea and Jack Badgett
Escanaba, MI
To The Family Of My Brother In Arms:
I known Micks since we both came to 54th En in March 2004, I never been so proud of doing what I’m doing specially when I had a person like Micks next to me.
I feel terrible sorry for the dead of Micks and the other 3 guys with him. Is not easy to lose 4 brothers in one week.
He will always be in our minds and hearts. May God Bless Him and His Family.
SPC Omar A. De Los Rios
C 54th En Bn, Ramadi, AE
Amy, Ken & Andy,
We are so saddened to hear of Joes passing; I had the pleasure of working with Joe at the Pantry. He gave his all while working there, and now has given all for his country. That contagious smile of his will be missed by all.
In Thoughts & Prayers, Mike & Carol
Mike & Carol DeShambo
Escanaba, MI
Amy,Ken and Andy
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Try to get some peace out of knowing he is a true HERO and will always be remembered that way. We are all on this earth for a reason and he was meant to be a HERO.. My prayers are with you and your family.
Kristina Winling Fennell
Escanaba, MI
I wanted to just say that I had the privledge of being Joey’s friend and mentor for over 8 years. He was smart, caring, kind, funny and much more. His energy and love for those around him will be in my head and heart forever… I will miss you friend… and I’m so proud to know you… eternally your big brother.
Todd Beauchamp
Escanaba, MI
We are praying that you will feel and see God’s presence as you walk this valley. Remeber God promises that you will reach the other end of the valley.
We thank you for the sacrifice you have made for our country. Joe has a memorial already in the hearts of many as one who like our Lord gave of self for others. May God truely bless you with a peace that passth understanding in the midst of this storm.
Rev. Bill Rafuse
Rapid River Congregational Church
Rapid River, MI
Amy,Ken, and Andy
My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time.You are all in my thoughts and prayers.Joe was a very brave young man to serve for our freedom, he is a HERO.
Heather Kohnert
Gladstone, MI
Amy & Ken,
How sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care of yourself.
With all my sympathy
Diana McKnight
Gladstone, MI
I am so sorry to hear about Joe’s death. During this difficult time you are in my prayers. Joe was a hero serving for our county. He was also a fine Boy Scout. It is difficult now, but it does get better with time. Remember Joe will always be in your heart.
Rosemary Jensen
Rapid River, MI
I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful and brave young man. My heart goes out to you, as the mother of army sons as well. We knew Joe from volunteering he has done and from being a part of the Rapid River community for many years. God Bless your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Joe is a true hero.
Sherry and Rick Nutt Sr.
Gwinn, MI
Joe was a great friend of mine from high school, and I’ll never forget the time Joe and I celebrated New Years ’03 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The events we experienced that weekend will be with me forever. I am truly grateful to have shared such great times with my good buddy, Joseph Micks.
Matt Sundholm
East Lansing, MI
We are all so deeply saddened by your recent loss. Heartfelt prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Mary-Mark -Stuart-Paige Malnor
Rapid River, MI
Dear Romona, Ken, Amy and Andy
Our prayers, thoughts and hearts go out to you at this time. We were privileged to have worked with Joe, as well as Andy, for several years at Camp Hiawatha. Our memories of Joe are of a hard working, fun loving young man who was a friend to all around him. His smile and positive attitude will be our memory of him forever. We are proud to have known Joe and to have been some small part of his Scouting career on his trail to Eagle. He is our hero and will be with us in our hearts forever.
Love, Grandpa Joe and Cookie
Joe and Sue Erickson
Skandia, MI
To Joe’s entire family: Although we do not know you personally, you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Our son is also stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army and will be deployed for his 2nd tour to Iraq soon. For years, our daily prayers have included getting all of our boys and girls safely home and out of there. Your son has made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and for our country. We will continue to pray for you and your family and hopefully your good memories and loving support from family and friends will get you through this tragic time.
Ron and Becki Hess
Gladstone, MI
Dear Mr. & Mrs Micks,
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our Grandson gave his life in Iraq. 13, Nov. 2004. So we know a little how you are feeling. Our hearts go out to you. But you can be so pround of Joe. He was serving his country honorably. Our Grandson felt they were making a differance over there. You have been and will be in our prayers.
Joe truly was an “American Hero”!!! We thank him and all the others who are still there or who gave their all for our Country.
God Bless,
Herman and Ellen Robere
Garden, MI
My son, SGT Richard Morgan, is also part of the 54th engineering battalion. He knew your son and asked me to say a prayer for him. You are also be in my prayers during this difficult time. I also pray that the sacrifice that Joseph has made, and the work that our brave men and women continue to do will result in a better and safer world where future generations will not know the pain of loss in war. God bless you.
Margo Miller
San Diego, CA
Dear Ken, Amy & Andy,
We are so saddened to learn of the death of your dear son and brother, Joe. Please know of our prayers and our presence in spirit during these very difficult days. We have such fine memories of Joe at St. Charles and Andy, as well, and how faithful Joe was in serving at the Masses. We wish that we could be with you for the funeral and to share our condolences with each of you personally. We are presently working in Sauk City, Wisconsin at St. Aloysius Catholic Church and enjoy our work here very much. Please know of our sincerest sympathies and our prayers that Almighty God will strengthen this very difficult journey for each of you. With warmest personal regards. Sincerely, in Christ,
Deacon Bill and Chetti Green
Sauk City, WI
We’re so sorry to hear of your precious son’s death. He was defenitly a hero the moment he put on the uniform. God Bless you with His comfort and fond memories of your dear Joseph. we have no idea of your pain in this loss, but know we will be praying for you all.
Sonny and Fran Goebel
Kalamazoo, MI
I remember Joe as a bright, energetic young man who was dual enrolled in my Computer Tech courses at Bay College while attending Rapid River HS. He challenged me like no other student, asking me for information about the world I did not have. It was during this time he told me that “he wanted to go to Europe and he wanted to see the world.”
I am proud to say I knew Joe. He served his nation honorably. From one Eagle Scout to another, Lay down your head and rest, Scout, you can guiltless sleep tonight for you have done and you have dared, and everything is prepared.
Karl Linderoth
Escanaba, MI
I had the priveledge to meet and serve with Joe when he visited the Escanaba Recruiting Station during my tour as the Station Commander in Escanaba. I was not Joe’s recruiter but am proud of his courage and commitment to serve our Country. I extend my deepest condolences to you during this loss. I am proud to have served with Joe and he gave his life for our freedom-he is a Hero.
SFC Erick Hoversholm (Retired)
Elizabethtown, KY
I am truly sorry for your loss. My son is currently deployed in Iraq and I pray every day that he comes home safely. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa
Munising, MI