Marcus "Mike" Araujo

Marcus (Mike) R. Araujo, 70, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Monday, June 25, 2018, at the Grand Island VA Medical Center after a long courageous fight with cancer. He was born October 24, 1947 in Lexington, Nebraska to Cruz Atanacio Sr. and Consuelo (Ceballos) Araujo. Mike grew up in Lexington where he graduated from St. Ann’s High School with the class of 1965. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1967. He was in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone where he was wounded during the Vietnam War. Mike was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star while serving his country and was honorably discharged on November 17, 1970. Mike was united in marriage to Sharon K. (O’Con) on May 21, 1971 in Lexington at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Three children were blessed to this union: Amy, Stephanie and Christopher. Following the war, Mike and Sharon lived in Lexington where he worked many jobs before finding his calling as a Mail Carrier with the United States Postal Service. He would hold that position for thirty six years. Mike enjoyed the work and made many life-long friends on his route, fondly being known by Lexington residents as “Mike the Mailman.” Mike was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Association, board of directors with the Lexington Housing Authority, the U.S. Postal Service 1 Million Mile Club, The Teammates and Host programs in Lexington and was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Mike spent many years coaching softball and baseball in Lexington. He loved the game and impacted many lives while coaching his players. He was especially proud of the Lexington Baseball Class A Championship team he was on in 1963. Mike stayed very close with his teammates and coach Monte Kiffin through the years. Mike loved sports in general, especially his Boston Red Sox and Oklahoma Sooners. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, doing yard work and watching Audie Murphy movies. Family was very important to him, and he enjoyed spending time and watching his grandchildren participate in their school activities. Survivors include his wife, Sharon of Lexington, Nebraska; daughters, Amy (Miguel) Mendez of Schuyler, Nebraska and Stephanie Block of Lexington, Nebraska; son, Christopher Araujo of New York, New York; grandchildren, Austin (Marina) Araujo of Schuyler, Nebraska, Raina Zoerb of Omaha, Nebraska, Zachary (Jessica) Zoerb of Schuyler, Nebraska, Maria Mendez, Lucy Mendez and Miguel Mendez all of Schuyler, Tyson Block of Kearney, Nebraska and Kobe Block of Lexington; great-grandchildren, Eva Araujo, Aaron Araujo, Aiden Zoerb, Bella Zoerb, and Carter Zoerb all of Schuyler, Nebraska; sister, Susie (Charles) Engel of Grand Island, Nebraska; Aunt, Ruby Rangel of Lexington, Nebraska; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Cruz, Jr., Richard and Pedro Araujo. Mass Of Christian Burial will be on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski, officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska with Military Honors following the Mass. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com