Henry Jeka

Henry (Mike) Jeka, 63, died unexpectedly at home on May 6, 2012.Born March 29, 1949, in St Louis, Mo., to Henry Andrew and Elizabeth Burns Jeka. Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Wasp. On March 5, 1983, he married his lifelong partner, Brenda Jeka.Mike lived in Duluth and worked at the University of Minnesota Duluth starting in 1982, until retiring in 2011. During his time at the university, he made many lifelong friends that he cared about deeply. He was also a Stewart of Teamsters - Local 320.Mike was an avid fisherman, gardener, and chef who took great pride in the work he did at home building and fixing things. He also took great joy in helping others with any type of project. He would take on any task.When fishing with Mike you could never leave empty handed. Even if other fishermen were not catching a thing!Mike will be especially remembered for his quirky smile and how he loved to tell jokes.Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Andrew Jeka and Elizabeth Burns Jeka; brothers Stephen and Daniel Jeka; sisters Denise Louise Krase and Jayne Katherine Jeka.Survivors include his wife, Brenda Jeka of Duluth; daughter Amber Jeka of Decatur, Ark.; son Michael Jeka of San Diego, Calif.; son-in-law David Thao; grandchildren, Emmanuel and Israel Thao of Decatur; brothers Joseph and David Jeka; sisters Barbara Scervino, Susan Alasky Genualdi, Teresa Glogowski, Cynthia Torres, and Rebecca Jeka; his loving nieces and nephews, and many close friends and family members whom he cherished. He is also survived by his dog, Rusty. Thanks to all of our astounding family and friends for their help and support.VISITATION: 1 until the 2 p.m. service Friday, June 1, in Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second St., Duluth, (218) 727-3555.Relatives and friends are also welcome to gather at Mikes home, 3924 Fairview Road, Duluth, MN 55803, for a Celebration of Life starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2. (In the event of inclement weather, the Celebration of Life will be held at Glen Avon Church.)