John "Mike" Francis Koci
November 1, 1951 - March 11, 2021

Mike was born on November 1,1951 to John Vaclav Koci and Melba Agnes Mares in Columbus, Nebraska. Mike attended Tustin High School in Tustin, California. After graduating high school, Mike remained in California for many years before joining his sister, Mari and niece, Katrina, moving to Maine and then Florida. He returned to the West and chose to live in Arizona in the mid-1990's to be closer to family.

Mike was a talented craftsman who was a licensed Plumber and Electrician. He had worked for Airco in California, Losco Plumbing in Florida and Tri-City Mechanical in Arizona. Some of the notable projects that he helped with were building the Mayo Hospital in Scottsdale and the Cardinals Stadium in Glendale. Mike could fix or create just about anything. He was also a self-taught chef and master donut maker.

Anyone who knew Mike, knew that he was a kind and gentle guy who loved animals, RVing, riding his bike, Halloween and spending time with his family. He had a great sense of humor and loved making others laugh. Mike's family and friends will miss him more than words can say.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mike Koci can be made to the Arizona Humane Society. https://www.azhumane.org/

A memorial for Mike will be done along the Southern California coast, which was a place he loved and wanted to return before his death.

Mike is survived by his niece, Katrina Koci-Myers of Henderson, Nevada; his sisters, Mari Melba Koci of Las Vegas, Nevada and Patricia Klauer of Paradise Valley, Arizona; his nephews, Ryne Klauer of Austin, Texas; Reed Klauer of Glendale, Arizona and Rick Klauer of Paradise Valley, Arizona and his cat, Chip. He has gone to join his mother and father, Melba Mares and John Koci, his sister Therese Regina Koci and his long-term girlfriend, Carolyn Dyer.

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