It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Santa Claus, aka Robert A. Mika, on May 8, 2025, at the age of 79. For many years Santa Robert made guest appearances during United Airline's Fantasy Flights for children in the Chicago area facing serious illness, poverty, or other challenges. His role as Santa on those flights was one of the great joys of his life.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Letitia Mika (née Torgerson), who with Robert celebrated 31 years together on May 3, 2025; and by his son by marriage to Letitia, Devin Cutler; by Elizabeth Mika (née Gottwald), his first wife, and their three children, son Daniel and his former wife, Barbara Bonfanti, and his granddaughter, Samantha, son Joseph and his wife, Candice Sherwin, and his grandson, Colin, and by his daughter, Kristi; by his younger brother, Thomas, and his wife, Ora Christi Maynes and their children, Ora Beth and Christopher; and by his niece, Michele Guzman (née Jezowski) and her husband Gary and their children, Douglas and Jessica; and by his dog, Oreo.  Robert is preceded in death by his parents and only sister, Marianne Jezowski (née Mika) and her husband John Jezowski; by his son by marriage to Letitia, Dayne Cutler, and by his dog, Snickers.

Born in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day in 1946, Robert was the second of three children of the late Walter Mika and Ann Mika (née Labosh).  He graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1964 and attended Christian Brothers College before enlisting in the United States Air Force.  Robert was initially stationed at Goose Bay, Labrador, but with the escalation of the Vietnam War, his skills as an aircraft load planner were needed at Ton Son Nhut Air Force Base in Saigon to assist the dignified transfer of so many deceased soldiers returning home. This was a period of his life about which, like many Vietnam-era veterans, Robert avoided speaking.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Robert joined United Airlines, where he worked in various positions at United's operations headquarters at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport for 51 years. He loved his work and had cultivated many friendships at United over those many years.  For a time, he also made the most of United ticket discounts to witness as many space shuttle launches as he could.  Having enjoyed white hair after the age of 40, Robert maintained a long white beard and was inhabited by Santa Claus for at least half of every year.  But since he had a large, kind and generous heart, many would say Robert carried the Christmas spirit with him year-round.

His marriage to Letitia introduced Robert to the Bethany Baptist Church community, which he embraced with amity, sincerity and devotion.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16 at 3:00 p.m. until 9:00p.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home, 4800 N. Austin Ave., Chicago, IL, 60630.  Robert will be Lying In-State on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 6700 W. Gunnison St., Chicago, IL 60630, with internment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, River Grove.

Robert was loyal to his country, family and friends, and will be missed by many.  God bless him and keep him close, forever.

For information, 773-736-2300 .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Roberts honor to:

Lutheran Church Charities, K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries
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or

Cal's Angels, Pediatric Cancer Foundation
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