Michael D. “Mick” Uramkin

Born on October 5, 1946 in Allegan, Michigan
Departed on January 19, 2022 in Palm Bay, Florida

Michael D. “Mick” Uramkin, LTC USAF RET, passed away after a brief illness January 19, 2022. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Wendy, sister Barbara Hoekstra, niece Rhonda Ragen, nephew Kent Weisenberg, and great-nieces Kaitlin Ragen and Kendra Ragen.

Mick was born in Allegan, MI on October 5, 1946 to Michael and Mary Uramkin. He graduated from Fremont, MI High School and Western Michigan University. He later earned an MS degree from Golden Gate University.

Upon graduation from college Mick joined the United States Air Force. After Officer Training School he graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams AFB, AZ. After Pilot training he flew the KC-135 refueling tanker with the 22nd Air Refueling Squadron at March AFB, CA. His next assignment was to Columbus AFB, MS where he was a T-38 instructor pilot with the 50th Flying Training Squadron. For the last half of his twenty-year career he flew the U-2 high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. First at Beale AFB, CA with the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, and then was assigned as a staff officer in reconnaissance at HQ Pacific Air Forces, at Hickam AFB, HI. His last assignment was to RAF Alconbury, UK where was commander of the U2/TR1 95th Reconnaissance Squadron.

After retiring from the Air Force Mick joined Northwest Airlines and flew commercially another seventeen years before retiring as a DC-9 captain.

One last flying venture was owning a Diamond DA-40 aircraft and enjoying air views of our beautiful state. He was a member of the Melbourne Area Pilots Association, serving as vice-president of the board of directors. He liked to give a smile after always-smooth landings and ask passengers: “Are we on the ground yet?”

One of his proudest accomplishments after retiring was to serve on the Greenwood Manor Condominium Association board of directors as president. He cared greatly for his community and its continued success.

A real sportsman, he ran three Honolulu Marathons, completed many triathlons, played racquetball and was an avid bicyclist. He enjoyed riding many miles on his bikes, nicknamed the “Black Beauty” and the “Red Baron.”

His teasing grin, sense of humor, flying stories, and bright bike riding jerseys will be greatly missed.

Services will be private. Interment will be at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

The family will always remember with gratitude the wonderful, compassionate care given to Mick at the William Childs Hospice House. In lieu of flowers please consider supporting this very special place in memory of Mick.