Michael John Miklavicic, age 23, of Friendship, Wisconsin died Sunday, July
22, 2012 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin
following a boating accident.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012 at the St.
Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. Charles Graves will
officiate. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Roseberry’s
Funeral Home and again on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the
time of service.
Interment will be at the Mt. Repose Cemetery, Friendship, Wisconsin at a
later date.
Michael was born March 14, 1989 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to John M.
and Jane M. (Wolf) Miklavicic. He graduated from Adams-Friendship High
School in 2008 in the top ten of his class. Michael was also a gifted
athlete, earning all conference defense honors his junior year and all
conference offense and defense honors his senior year. Michael was also
named MVP his senior year for football.
Michael attended taxidermy school and pursued a career in taxidermy in
Friendship, Wisconsin where he opened Miklavicic Taxidermy. He also went to
Steamboat Springs, CO and worked full time at B&L Taxidermy.
Michael was a free spirit and loved living life to it’s fullest, he
backpacked through Europe and recently returned from a trip to Alaska.
He was planning to return to Colorado this August to continue his
taxidermy career.
Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, snow skiing, football, hiking,
photography, dancing, and spending time with his family and friends.
Michael was wise in his endeavours and in the words that he shared
with others. He valued creativity, passion, loyalty, and the ability
to work hard and play hard. Michael was fearless and open minded
whether he was skiing the back country or meeting unfamiliar places
and people. Mike had the perfect combination of both strength and
sensitivity. His compassion and commitment to putting the well being
of others before his own was shown from birth and until the last
moments of life by being a Registered Organ Donor. His family and
friends are better people because of the characteristics that he had
and developed throughout the years of his life. Michael’s life may
have been short in duration, but due to his ability to live in each
moment, his life was complete in experience, spirituality, and love.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Survivors:
Father: John (Debra) Miklavicic of Friendship, Wisconsin
Mother: Jane (Marty) Esposito of Big Bend, Wisconsin
Sister: Shana (Brandon) Wallner of Friendship, Wisconsin
Nephews: Josh Wallner of Friendship, Wisconsin
Nephew: Blayde Wallner of Friendship, Wisconsin
Nephew: Boede Wallner of Friendship, Wisconsin
Sister: Alicia (Brett) Franz of West Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Niece: Elyanah Franz of West Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Step-Brother: Chad (Terri) Black of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nephew: Kade Black of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nephew: Josh Black of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nephew: Cole Black of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Step-Sister: Angie (Ryan) Anderson of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Niece: Makayla Meddaugh of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Niece: Ella Anderson of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nephew: Logan Anderson of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Step-Brother: Eric Esposito of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grandparents: John and Thelma Miklavicic of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandparents: Robert and Mae Wolf of West Allis, Wisconsin
Further survived by other relatives and many friends.
We were so sorry to hear about Michael. You all are in our prayers. Wina and Carrie
John, Debbie, and Jane, and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Mike. We pray that God can give you the peace and comfort you all need to get through this difficult time.
Dan and Kathi Stieber
We are all very sorry to hear of the loss of your son Michael, it is hard to believe how fast these kids grow up, you raised such a fine young man, there are no words to use that would describe how sorry we all are to hear of his passing, we just want you to know that we will be praying for you, that the Lord will give you comfort today and in the days ahead.
Dear Jane and Family ,
So sorry to hear of your loss, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your families,
love and prayers to all who will miss mike,
So sorry for your loss, we will keep you in our prayers.
We are so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Mike. Words cannot even describe the sorrow and pain of losing a child. He was a great person and will be truly missed. We wish that we could have been there for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Words can not describe the sorrow I feel for All of you who loved Mikey. May you find comfort in the memories you have with him. I never knew him as a man only as a child and when I think of him all I can see is his cheeky grin… and all I hear is his raspy voice and giggle … and our shared Love of Brett Favre..LOL its true.. He was such a joy while I knew him .Thats how he will stay in my mind always…
With love
Kerry Fox
Dear, Miklavicic and Esposito Family
We are very sorry for the loss of Mike! He was a great guy, Mike will be greatly missed by a lot of people. Being my daughters friend and a student our thoughts and prayers will be with the family.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Shana, Brandon, John, Jane and all Family~I am so sorry for your tragic loss. My thoughts and love go out to you all. ~ A beautiful soul is never forgotten~
John, Deb and Jane
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your memories and talk about Mike often. God will help you heal
LOSING A CHILD HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST HEARTACHES THERE IS
I am so, so sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for all of you. He was a beautiful young man. We pray you can find peace and comfort.
John, Debbie, Brandon, Shana and family ~ Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Words can express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. God Bless.
To the Miklavicic Family, Please know you are in my thoughts. Keep each other strong, as a parent this is our greatest fear to have our child pass before us. Your memories of Mike will keep him alive in your hearts forever. Know that he will always be watching over you.
Mike was an amazing young man. From his friendship, to his amazing dancing and wonderful smile. He will be greatly missed here in Steamboat.
My thoughts and prayers go to all his family and friends .
Shannon Payne
To the Miklavicic & Esposito Family:
The world has lost a wonderful person, son, brother, uncle, & friend. I’m sick inside for the pain your family is going through. No family should deal with losing someone so young and full of life. What a beautiful person. He was such a funny guy and I remember all the trouble we (Alicia & I) tried to get him into our senior year! I recently read all the funny stories and saw how many people he impacted in this lifetime… I know I will try to brighten peoples day they way he has… The world needs more people like him and again all I can say is I’m so sorry for your loss.
Mike- You will be missed by all but your family has a hole now that will never be replaced, please keep them safe and look over them!
Love and thoughts to the Miklavicic & Esposito Family
From the Garcia’s & Manikowski’s
John, Debbie and family,
You have been so heavy on our minds. We cannot imagine what you have been through during this most difficult time. May God give you the strength to cope and move on with all the wonderful memories of Mike to cherish. According to all the beautiful messages you have received, he must have been a very special son. How proud can one be of the many accomplishments of a young man? Try to rely on your faith and remember that Mike is looking down from Heaven every minute of every day and hoping the family ties will be even stronger. Our deepest sympathy and huge prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you.
Our deepest sympathy to your family for your terrible loss. May your faith in God help you through this very difficult time, may your sorrow be eased with loving thoughts of Mike and we also pray that time will help heal your hearts. God bless.
To all the Miklavicic family , our thoughts and prayers are with you at this terrible loss of Mike. His presence on earth is no longer around you but he is not done , he will continue his life in heaven.
My love with all of you. Charrish each other and our lovely memories of Mike I knew him a short time but know his passing as hit me hard and will Dance all my dances in his memory I love you all
Condolances to the entire Miklavicic family. They already know this, but he was an awesome and loyal friend. He visited me when I was stationed in Germany, which was a great time I will never forget. Words cannot describe how tragic of a loss this is. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
What a loss- it was not intended for our children to go before us. He shall be missed by many. Our prayers go out to you & Debbie. LaVonne Scott & Granddaughters Melissa and Molly Manzer.
John and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Mike was a great kid. I enjoyed getting to know him in Little League and watching him throughout his High School years in football. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child, but wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John, Jane and the entire family,
We are still in shock over this sudden and very sad news. Our thoughts and sympathy are with you at this extremely difficult time. We offer consolation and hope in knowing that Mike was taken up to heaven and that we will all meet and be reunited again to live with the Father forever. We only regret that we did not have an opportunity to meet Mike personally. Seeing the many places he visited and experiences he had, memories made with family and friends – he had a wonderful and full life filled with happiness and joy! And in the end, isn’t that what we all strive for? God bless you and keep you. With much sorrow and love, Cousin Cherrie, Scott and Jenny
John & Family,
With a heavy heart I write thinking of your tremendous loss of your son. You are in our thoughts & our prayers.
John , Shana and family, Im so sorry to hear this and don’t know the words to say except we are praying for you and we loved him even though we only met him a handful of times.God bless.
We are so sorry for the loss of Mike. Keep your hearts & memories strong. He will be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. If there is anything we can do-just give me a call.
Timothy D. Schmitt & Family
No words can describe what all of you are going through at this most difficult time. The road ahead will be difficult and our heart and prayers are with you and your family not only today but tomorrow and the next day and the next day, etc. Our love to you all.
Hello,
We’ve only known Mike for a few years (he did our deer mount) but he made an impression with us when we met and discussed how we wanted our deer done. We also seen him around town at different events and he always took the time to chat with us.
He was an excellent young man, we are so sorry to hear about his loss.
Todd & Robin
To Mike’s family:
I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. Please know you are in my thoughts. Mike was a fine young man and a credit to his community, friends, family. I will be praying for your strength at this unimaginably difficult time.
TO MIKES FAMILIES, SO SORRY ABOUT MIKE. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. FOR A YOUNG MAN OF HIS AGE HIS ACCOMPISHMENTS WERE MANY.
What a sad lose to such a great Young Man. My condolences to all.
Janie, Marty, Ali, shanna and family,
My heart aches for you. I only met Michael once but the love in your eyes when you would talk about him and tell me all the adventures he had were priceless. God will see you through this difficult situation. He was such a fortunate young man to have such a wonderful family as you all are. I am here for you in any way that you need me ! Again words cannot express the pain I feel for you. I love all of you!
Shelly, brad, ashley,Patrick and Ben meinzer
TO ALL OF MIKE’S FAMILY
It is very difficult to understand when and how a young energetic life ends..at the same time we think of all the joy and pride he has brought to all who knew him well, his family and friends. It is with all these thoughts in
mind may God be with us all. Irene Rathermel.
My sons Mike Chetney and Chris Chetney were friends of Mike. They knew him from school and graduated the same year. I was sad to hear of this accident. Our thoughts and prayers our with you at this time.
Dear Jane, John and the entire Miklavicic Family,
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic accident. Take the comfort and love from everyone around you to help heal the pain. Be proud of who he was, how he lived life and now how he gave to so many. Our love to all of you.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our prayers are with you.
We were devestated to hear about Mike. We will always remember his smiling face, positive attitude, and willingness to help. His passing will leave an empty place in our hearts.
We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. I will miss Mike. You are in our prayers.
Janie, Marty, Eric and extended family,
Although we never had the opportunity to meet Mike we want to extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers for your loss. We wish we could be with you at a time like this but as circumstances do not permit … please know that we are there with you in spirit. Your family loss is our family loss. We hope that you find comfort in knowing that you gave him a wonderful life and that he lived a wonderful life.
Love Always,
Honey & Joey
John our thoughts go out to you and family will remember the good times coaching him or him trying to coach me . My love goes out to you John and family
With all our hearts we offer our most sincere condolences. Michael was a joy to know and he will certainly be missed. Know that our prayers are with the family & loved ones of this amazing young man.
John, Jane, Shana & Family
We are so sorry for your loss. He left this physical world way too soon. Fortunately he was here long enough to touch so many lives in such a positive way. We are very saddened and we give you and your family all our prayers.
John and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mike was such a wonderful young man. He will be missed greatly by so many, but will never be forgotten. Our Love to all of you.
Our deepest sympathies to your family. We will keep you all in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I was when I heard about Mike. I will be praying for you to get through these difficult times, hoping that the wonderful memories you shared will someday replace the sadness in your hearts.
Our family is so sorry for your loss! May u help each other through this difficult time! Hugs to all!
We were so sad to hear about Mike. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
John & Debbie, Jane, and family;
We are so sorry about the loss of your son. We can not imagine the sadness that you are feeling. May your memories of Mike and your family and friends help with your healing.
Myrna & Tim Diemert
Shana, Brandon , Josh, Blayde, Boede and the entire Miklavicic Family,
I join with so many others offering our deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of your brother, son, uncle and more. Although it is little consolation at this sad time, we hope you are able to find some level of comfort in one-another, and embracing your family.
The measure of a life well-lived is through the lives they touched and the sorrow they leave behind. If the outpouring of sympathy on his loss is any indication, and it most certainly is, you can proudly and confidently say that his indeed was a life well-lived. There are likely no words to describe the utter grief that you are all feeling right now, and I cannot possibly imagine the shock and sorrow that has been thrust on your family and your vast pool of friends and loved ones.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him.
As we mentioned, If we can be of any help, please call on us anytime.
Blessings to you.
Shana Brandon and family… We are so sorry for your loss. . There are no words, but know you’re in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please call..
I am so sorry to hear of this. Know that Mike will never be forgotten, he was a great man. Although we have drifted apart in the years, we still had alot of memories together. I’m sorry that I wont be able to be at the services, know that you and your family will be and are in my prayers.
So sorry to here about Mike,There are no words when you lose a child. Our prayers are with you guys. were there for you guys.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your loss is tremendous and there are many people to help you through this. May God give you strength and look to Him for guidance.
Jane, John and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Hold each other close as his memory lives on. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy I wish you strength during this difficult time. May memories comfort you and bring you peace.I also have many memories of when we were all young kids playing and “picking” on Mike.He was a wonderful sucessful young man and I will always remember the fun we all had.
Our hearts are breaking for all of you! We know what a great guy Mike was. Our thought and prayers are with you today and always.
Shana & Family…..So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shana Brandon and family~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Hold onto your wonderful memories and let them guide you through. If you need anything at all please don’t hesitate to call us.
As you hold each other close, keep Mike’s memories in your hearts. Let God, family and friends be there for you during this different time.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I have fond memories of Mike when I was his classes lead advisor for their 4 years at AFHS, he will be greatly, missed.
John, Jane, Shana and Ali-
I’m so saddened to hear of Mikey. Stick together to get through this terrible time. He was a great guy. I will always remember Ali and I “picking” (playing!) with him at his house when I was in grade school. Great times that won’t be forgotten. I will always think of him when I’m at my dad’s house when I look at the great taxidermy work that he did for him. What a talented young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike will be missed.
John and family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mike will be missed by many. But he will never be forgotten. We are hear if you need us. Mike was a great person. Our love to all of you.
so sorry to hear of your loss sympathy and prayers be with your family
Jane, John and your families: We are so terribly saddened to hear of your loss. The only place any of you can turn now is to each other, your families, friends, and of course, God. Our prayers to your entire family as you find your way through the hardest time of your lives. Memories are everything.
There are no words, but know you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
John, Jane, Big Daddy, Thelma and family,
It’s so hard for me to be far away right now when I want to share hugs, tears, and memories of Mike with you all. Mike had an infectious smile and always made me laugh. He was a great kid and you can be proud that you raised him to be a young man of heart and character. To say that my thoughts and prayers are with you is an understatement. He will leave a hole in our hearts but he also had a positive impact on those around him and will be remembered as the kind of person we would all like to be. Take the time to heal and keep Mike’s memories with you. My love to all of you.