MARCIKESE, John Wayne

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Thursday, October 21, 2010 John Wayne Marcikese passed away Oct. 16, 2010, in Lake Havasu City at the age of 60. He was born on June 16, 1950, to Joseph Vito and Mary Lou (Saylor) Marcikese (aka Judy Harden) in Washington, D.C. John served proudly under the direction of the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1989. While serving, he was awarded the Silver Star with an oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star, two Purple Stars and many other medals. John was a member of the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America) Chapter 975 of Mohave and belonged to the Patriot Guard Riders. He was a supporter of the VFW, American Legion, Eagles, Knights of Columbus and also the Blue Star Mothers. John was honored many times as a hero at the Traveling Memorial Wall for Vietnam vets. He was the first recipient of the Hometown Heroes Award in 2010. John wanted everyone to always remember our veterans and to pass this on through our future generations. “Never forget our Vets, past, present and future.” John leaves behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Pat Marcikese, of Lake Havasu City; sons, Joey Marcikese, of Trent, Texas, and Richard McKenzie; daughters, Christina Swanson, of Texas, and Dawna La Verne, of Santa Fe, Calif.; brother, Michael Campbell; sisters, Denise Weisner, of Calif. and Valerie Flanagan, of Garden Grove, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and one on the way. A visitation will take place Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.. Funeral services will follow the visitation Friday, at 6 p.m. at Lietz-Fraze Chapel. In lieu of flowers, a fund at Horizon Bank has been set up under Frank Emery’s name for John Marcikese. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.