Louis M. Miklesh

TAVARES, Fla. — On Sept. 26, 2021, the Lord called Louis home. Louis died at home in Tavares, Florida, under the loving care of his wife, Karen, and her sister, Patricia Kenney. Louis courageously battled Parkinson’s disease for the past decade.

Louis was born to Katherine and Louis Miklesh on Aug. 26, 1941, in the Ironwood area. He grew up in Jessieville and attended Newport School. While there, he participated in all sports. Louis attended Luther L. Wright High School and graduated in 1959. While attending L. L. Wright, he participated in football, basketball and baseball.

Upon graduation, he attended Gogebic Community College, receiving a degree in 1961. While attending GCC, he played basketball for coach Arnold Palmer.

Upon graduation, Louis attended Northern Michigan College, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Louis left Ironwood and traveled to the Detroit area, where he taught elementary education until the Detroit school strike.

He left the Detroit area and moved to Florida, where he spent the rest of his life.

His first job venture in Florida was with Neway Motors. He became an associate and worked there for a decade. Louis was very active athletically, becoming an avid golfer and continued to play basketball in various leagues.

Leaving the auto sales business, Louis became an independent insurance adjustor. It was at this time that he met his wife and soulmate, Karen Kenney. They married in 1969 and celebrated their 50 year marriage vows.

Upon Karen’s retirement, they purchased and ran Karen’s Gift Shop in Mt. Dora, Florida. They ran the business for two decades until its eventual sale.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis J. Miklesh and Karen Grivicich Miklesh; and a nephew, Dave Miklesh.

Surviving are his wife, Karen (Kenney) Miklesh; brother-in-law, John Kenney; and sister-in-law, Patricia Kenney. Also surviving are brothers, Robert (Sandra) Miklesh of Ironwood, John (Cindy) Miklesh of Fresno, California, and Andrew (Jolene) Miklesh of Isle, Minnesota.

Louis has numerous nieces and nephews.

Louis was very active until a fall caused the Parkinson’s to attack with a vengeance. Until his fall, Louis walked his two best buddies Jack and Jesse daily.

Private services have been held in Tavares.