Karen Micks, age 46, of Gladstone, currently a resident at the Bishop Noa Home, passed away Friday, June 20, 2008 at the Bishop Noa Home.

Karen was born September 16, 1961 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, the youngest of seven children born to Roy and Joan (Zilligen) Micks. She grew up in Palos Heights, Illinois and graduated from Alan P. Shepherd High School as class Valedictorian. Karen moved to Escanaba in 1981. Shortly after moving to Escanaba, Karen married Thomas A. Derusha and had two wonderful children. Her children were the highlight of her life. She loved to attend school activities and softball games whenever possible and if she couldn’t attend she would listen to the games on the radio. She never missed a game. Karen was an animal lover, a practical joker and enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. After a long and courageous struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, Karen moved into the Bishop Noa Home in 2005. She was touched by the kindness and care from the nurses and staff. She enjoyed their stories, many laughs and using sign language when necessary.

Karen is survived by:
Her son: Tom (Deanna) Derusha of Escanaba
Her daughter: Joannie Derusha of Gladstone
A granddaughter: Aleah Derusha
Her mother: Joan Micks of Gladstone
4 brothers: Roy (Audrey) Micks of Gladstone; Kevin (Lisa) Micks of Oak Forest, IL; Dan Micks of Masonville Township, MI; Ken (Amy) Micks of Rapid River
2 sisters: Janet (Bob) Halm of Garden Homes, IL, Lindy Ross of Bark River
Numerous nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy on January 18, 1998 and her nephew Army Cpl. Joseph Micks.

The Micks family will receive friends on Friday, June 27 from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Due to construction at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone, Mass of Christian Burial will be at 7:00 PM on Friday at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating.