Berthold Bert Micka

Berthold "Bert" Micka, 86, of Livingston, Montana, passed away, Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Frontier Assisted Living Center. A PRIVATE family funeral service will be held on Thursday at the Franzen-Davis Chapel followed by a graveside committal and burial at Mountain View Cemetery. A public reception will be held at Holbrook United Methodist Church in the spring. Memorials are preferred to: Holbrook U.M.C. Handicap Access Fund. C/O Holbrook Church: PO Box 442; Livingston, MT 59047. Bert was born on December 27, 1929, in Beuthen, Schlesien, Germany. He was the son of Georg and Sophie (Sansalla) Micka. When Bert was 14 years of age he went to Berlin to be an engineers apprentice at Bosch, a company which exists until this day. After about a year of service his apprenticeship was cut short by World War II. He took a job working at a farm until friends that were going to America encouraged him to make the trip too. In 1951, at age 22 Bert crossed the pond landing in New Jersey. He took work as a Tool and Die maker here. His career with the Presto Lock Company in Garfield, New Jersey lasted 36 years. During his time he met and married the love of his life, Kaethe Heidrich. They were married in Brooklyn, New York on October 4, 1958; this marriage was blessed with three children, Debra, Arleen and Andrew. They spent their working lives in New Jersey making the move to Florida after retirement. Bert and Kaethe enjoyed Florida for ten years before three hurricanes hit their area within six weeks of each other. They then relocated to Livingston, Montana where they had visited their daughter who had resided here since 1992. Both Bert and Kaethe thought of Montana as "The Last Best Place". They shared 57 years of marriage. Bert always felt his mission in life was to provide for his family. He worked hard long hours and was a master at his craft often receiving the most difficult of assignments. He was a dedicated father, wanting the best for his children and grandchildren, he had a great sense of humor and had gained knowledge about America that most of those native to America did not know. He was passionate about his favorite hockey team the New York Rangers and supported the Germany Football (Soccer) Team. Bert now knows peace, resting with his Lord, blessed be his memory. Bert is survived by his: Adoring wife of 57 years, Kaethe Micka of Livingston. Daughter, Arleen Micka of Livingston and Son, Andrew Micka of New Jersey. Daughter-in-law, Deborah Micka of New Jersey. Grandchildren, Eden Grace, Matthew Jason and Alyssa Rachel. Step-siblings, Walter Micka and Helga Janus both of Germany. Many other relatives and friends. Bert is preceded in death by his parents, Georg and Sophie Micka, 2 older sisters, Hilde and Trautel. And his daughter, Debra who passed at age 40 of a heart defect. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be shared at franzen-davis.com