Michael Mosko

Mike was born in the small town of Gelnica, Czechoslovakia, in 1934 to John and Maria Moschko. Sadly, his mother Maria Moschko died in 1944 when Mike was 10 yrs. old. His father and the five children were separated during WWII and lived through challenging times. They were finally reunited after their father searched long and hard to reconnect all his children. The family fled by train, bus, and horse to Germany as Slovak/German refugees for over five years. In 1951, six of the seven family members arrived on US soil to capture the American dream with minimal belongings, just a few suitcases and knowing no English. Hans, the eldest son, remained in Germany to continue his education and the beginning of a great career.

While Mike attended German trade school as an adolescent boy, Mike learned his craft of fine cabinet-making skills. He was able to transfer credits from his German trade school and attend a High School in central valley, California, as a Junior.

As a high school student, Mike excelled in his wood shop class. He created a complete European-style bedroom set that his stepmother worshiped. It was the prized attraction at the school open house.

Shortly after graduation, Mike volunteered for the US Air Force, with plans to serve in Germany. He strived to be first in every class he took (aircraft electronics repair) and succeeded in that endeavor. Incredibly, he became a staff sergeant on his first hitch plus earned an active position on the Air Force Soccer Team which enable him to travel through out Europe playing against other European soccer teams. Soon after completing his training, Mike was sent to the USAF base in Frankfurt, Germany. This enabled him to spend time with Hans (his older brother) and his wife Bertle, and they enjoyed socializing and traveling while Mike served in the military. Mike soon met his future German wife Elfriede and married in Germany, and they all had wonderful times together, traveling around Europe and living the young adult European life!

Mike and Elfriede returned to the US and settled in San Jose, where they raised their children, Bob and Diane. The couple both worked full-time, enabling them to buy their first new house. After the children were born, Elfriede mainly worked as a homemaker with a part-time job supporting Mike's long successful career in electronics engineering management. Sadly, in 1998, Elfriede passed away suddenly, leaving a wonderful legacy through their children Bob and Diane, their beloved grandchildren Sarah and Jacob, and great-grandchildren Finn, Gio, and Lyla.

Mike met Melodie Pehr shortly after that. They had their wedding ceremony in Depot Bay, OR. They enjoyed a loving, wonderful, exciting life of worldwide travel for the past 24 years. They both were active members of their church(s) in Boulder Creek, CA and Canyonville, OR and enjoyed reading scripture daily. They enjoyed mountain life, especially playing Rummikub with friends and family. On another beautiful note, Mike gained the love of Melodie's children and grandchildren, Romel & Jonathan, Sean, Theresa, Tamra, and "Opa" to Christian, Caleb, and Joshua.

Mike was a man who loved being outdoors hunting and fishing with friends, family, and his son Bob. He was exceptionally talented and skilled in many areas and would frequently help others. He was extremely close with his siblings and good to all his friends. He loved socializing and hosted many wonderful get-togethers. Mike and Elfriede always dreamed of building their own home. That dream came true when they purchased land and a small cabin in the early 60s in Boulder Creek, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They built a large home in the "Gulch" that family and friends enjoyed for many years.

Mike had a successful career starting at Lockheed and then Sylvania and retiring from ESL. He used his military training, continued learning new techniques, and became a successful high-level manager.

In 2019, Mike and Melodie moved from Boulder Creek to a new home in Canyonville, Oregon. From Canyonville, they continued to travel the world and often traveled between Washington and California, visiting family and friends.

Mike is survived by his love Melodie Pehr, son Bob Mosko, daughter Diane (David) Bailey, brother Joseph (Frances) Mosko, sister Maria Danis, sister in law, Peggy Mosko, grandson Jacob Bailey, granddaughter Sarah Bailey and three great grandchildren. He will also be missed by Sean Pehr, Romel & Jonathan Retzlaff, their children, Christian, Joshua, Caleb, and a beloved extended family and friends. He wife Elfriede and brothers Hans and Andy preceded him in death.

Mike passed away quietly at his home in Canyonville with Melodie at his side. Mike was loved and adored and will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life for Michael will be in San Jose, CA at Oak Hill Memorial Park, in the chapel of the rose on Monday November 14, 2022. Viewing at 10:00 a.m. service at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either the Wounded Warrior Project or Shriner’s Childrens of Northern California in Sacramento.

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