In Memory of My Father

On September 11, 2022, the world lost a kind, gentle person. His name was  Michael Lee Jeckering and he was my father. Mike was born on January 31, 1950 in Dayton, Ohio. He was the second child of Paul George and Dorothy Jean (Hendricks) Jeckering, little brother to Jean Marie Jeckering (1948-1996). After he was born, the family welcomed 2 more children- Karla & Paul David (1954-2016). 

Mike lost his father at a young age- just before his 4th birthday. His mother remarried and he gained 4 more brothers with the name Potchik- John Mark (1957-2005), Carl, William and Frank. 

Mike went to and graduated from Chaminade High School in Dayton, Ohio, the same school as his father and many of his family members before him. 

After graduation, Mike married Christine but they soon divorced with no children. He then married Bonnie Jean Mendenhall on August 25, 1975. They were married for 26 years and spent those years in Ohio, Texas and Arizona, raising 3 children.

In 1980, Mike started his long career at FedEx as a delivery driver. He enjoyed his job, most of the time and was a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2005. He was only 55 at the time of his retirement and I don't think he was ready to settle down. He started an online Ebay business, selling antiques, car parts, model cars and other unique items. He enjoyed it and I know it helped pass the time. 

His whole life Mike had been a fan of cars. He was constantly buying and selling cars...never really seemed to hold on to one for too long. Car shows were his thing and every year, he looked forward to going to the Watson Lake Car Show in Prescott & the Barrett Jackson Car Show in Phoenix. He also enjoyed bowling and was pretty good at it.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jean and his brothers John and Paul. He leaves behind his 3 children- Mike Jr., Carrie and Nicole; 12 grandchildren- Alex, Lexi, Ally, Aden, Kaiden, Zander, Klayton, Kaylee, Jack, Audrina, Aubree, and Chloe. He also leaves behind his sister Karla, 3 brothers Carl, William and Frank and two very good friends Linda and Joanie. 

Mike was a very caring person. He was always interested in how his children and grandchildren were doing- called often "just to check in". I will miss him more than he will ever know. 

Now, enjoy some beautiful photos: