Johanna Micek

Johanna Micek, 97 years, of Walsenburg, Albuquerque, and Aurora, stepped into Eternal Life on July 5, 2013. She was born to Frank and Johanna Fink on March 29, 1916, in Ravenwood Coal Camp, Colorado. She attended St. Mary’s High School and was the first of her family to receive a high school diploma in 1934. She married Albert Micek on August 20, 1938 and they spent their life together ranching, raising turkeys, goats, chickens, cattle, and children. They were well known for their hospitality, humor, and faith. Johanna was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish, and a member of the Tabernacle Society, and the Council of Catholic Women. She was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. In 1994, no longer able to ranch, Johanna and Albert moved to Albuquerque to live with Alberta and Dallas Priest. At Ascension Parish in Albuquerque, Johanna joined the Legion of Mary, and was an RCIA sponsor. In 1997, Albert, her sweetheart of 59 years, passed away. In 2009 she moved to Aurora, Colorado, to live with Regina and Daniel Gleason. She was a beloved member of St. Mary’s in Walsenburg, Ascension in Albuquerque, and Queen of Peace in Aurora. She enjoyed spending holidays and summers at the Ranch with Mary Jo and David Tesitor. Johanna is survived by her children Alberta (Dallas) Priest, Leonard (Laura) Micek, Regina (Daniel) Gleason, and Mary Jo (David) Tesitor, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. The great tragedy of her life was the loss of three children, two in early infancy, and Lonnie at age 19. She is also survived by many priests who she spiritually adopted and loved as her own. Her personal hero was Pope John Paul II, who was declared worthy of Sainthood on the day she passed. Her life was one of missionary work, and she shared Christ with all whom she encountered. Her life’s legacy is her faith, which she lovingly passed on to each of her children and their children. Johanna had an eagerness to learn and an insatiable curiosity to the very end. She had a holy death at home in Aurora, where she ministered to her family even in her final moments. The funeral will be held at 10am on Saturday July 13 at Saint Mary’s in Walsenburg Colorado. She will be laid to rest in the Micek cemetery at the ranch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of Micek Family Seminary Burse, Diocese of Pueblo, honoring Johanna’s lifelong devotion to encouraging priestly vocations. Checks can be made out to the Catholic Foundation, with “Micek Family Burse” in the memo line, and mailed to the Catholic Diocese of Pueblo Foundation, 101 N. Greenwood St., Pueblo, CO 81003.