Gerald Miklavcich

Gerald J. Miklavcich

Gerald J. Miklavcich, 66, Hibbing, passed away unexpectedly Thursday; Nov. 10, 2011 in Hibbing.  He was born July 17, 1945 in Ely, MN to John and Ann Miklavcich.  Gerald was a star quarterback in high school obtaining a scholarship to Bemidji State Univ. where he obtained his masters in Social Science.  His Master’s thesis “A Study Of The American Civil War Prisoner of War Camp At Rock Island, IL is on display at the Rock Island Museum.  He married his college sweetheart Darla Rogers on July 26, 1969 and they moved to Benson, MN where he taught for 8 years.  In 1975 he moved to Hibbing where he worked at Hibbing Tac for 30 years as a foreman. Gerald was always focused on his family.  He was active in the Boy Scouts helping his 3 sons to become Eagle Scouts.  In his retirement his love of history and geography led him to travel to numerous points of interest in the U.S.  He was the founder of the Downwinders, a group with questions and concerns over the CIRSSD.  He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife Darla, his children Shawn of Hibbing, Scott of Cumming, GA, Marci (David) Manwiller of South Range, WI and Michael (Kim Reedy)  of Aurora, IL, a brother Joe of Ely, MN, a sister Nancy Mattson of Buhl, MN and two grandchildren Zoe Manwiller and Ian Reedy.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  The Rev. Gabriel Waweru will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.  Visitation will be in the church from 10 a.m. until service time on Tuesday.  Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home.

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