Nikola Miklya

Nikola “Nick” Miklya, beloved Father, Grandpa and Great-grandpa, passed away January 29, age 85. Preceded in death by his parents, Zivka and Joka Miklya, his wife Joan, 13 brothers and sisters, son Glen and grandson Christopher.

Survived by his daughter Sindy (Paul); sons David (Joni), Steve (MaryJo), Ron (Sue), Nick (Pam), Tom (Barb), Dan (Teresa), Gary and daughter in law Noni; 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and another due in May. He graduated from Chisago High School and joined the military in 1946 and was discharged in 1951. He was an extremely proud Marine. Married his wife Joan in 1950 until her death in 2010. In 1952 he signed up to be a Master Mason and was a lifelong member.  A retired union bricklayer; two of his sons also bricklayers (retired) and a grandson is an active union bricklayer. A proud moment in his bricklaying career was when he volunteered his expertise to help build the 1986 Ice Castle in St. Paul.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed family and friend gatherings; you could not go to his home without eating something or having a beverage of choice. His favorite saying was "I have eight sons and each one has a sister." 

He will be sadly missed by his family and all that knew him. Memorial Service was on Monday, Feb. 4 at Kandt and Tetrick Funeral Home, 140 8thth Ave No. South St. Paul.