Frank Miklaski

Click on tribute wall above to view Frank's memorial video and sharing of memories service. Frank Miklaski, 75, beloved husband of Susie for over 52 years, passed away at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Florida on June 13, 2021, from the ravages of COVID 19, even though he was fully vaccinated in the winter of 2021. He was diagnosed on May 31, 2021, and passed less than two weeks later. He was in Florida, visiting his daughter for his son-in-law's 50th birthday and his grandson's 14th birthday. The son of William Miklaski and Elizabeth Gertner, both deceased, Frank was the loving father of Sarah (Matt) Smith of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Emily (Marc) Quayle of Avon Lake, Ohio, and Charly (Dawn) Miklaski of Frisco, Texas. His six surviving grandchildren: Sarah, Zachary, Nicolas, Marie, Frank, and Catherine were loved and adored beyond measure and they adored him as well. Although they all lived out-of-state, Frank made every minute with each of them memorable. The passing of his first granddaughter, Sophie Quayle, was one of the greatest devastations of his life, and he spent weeks living at his daughter’s house helping to care for Sophie following her DIPG diagnosis in February, 2007, until her untimely death in October, 2007. Born in Trenton and raised in Lincoln Park, Ecorse, Wyandotte and Taylor, Frank's early life wasn't easy, but when his mother remarried and he moved to Wyandotte with his stepfather and step-grandparents, things improved. Frank and Susie met in high school when Susie gave him a rosary at her Mt. Carmel High School retreat; at that time Frank was a public school catechism student. Frank carried that rosary in his pocket until it fell into pieces. Painstakingly put together by his daughter Sarah, it is now in his hands. After his high school graduation he worked at Great Lakes Steel and attended Detroit Institute of Technology until he was drafted in 1966. He served in the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard of the US Army) from 1966-1968, proudly honoring US dignitaries, escorting American heroes in their funeral procession, including that of Senator Robert Kennedy, participating in ceremonies on The White House lawn, and serving to protect the US Capitol. His one regret was not accepting the honor of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In 1968, Frank and Susie were married and Frank enrolled at Eastern Michigan University and returned to work at Great Lakes Steel. He began teaching in 1974, the same year his first daughter was born. During his early years of teaching, he obtained his master's and specialist degrees while continuing to work intermittently and summers at Great Lakes Steel, managing to retire from Great Lakes with 13 years seniority. Frank spent 29 years teaching in the Woodhaven School District, beginning with his fifth-grade class at Gudith, moving to Brownstown Middle School math, and ending his teaching career at Patrick Henry, also teaching math. His love of teaching equaled his love of building and remodeling. Having built a family cottage in Northern Michigan in his late twenties during several summers, he gradually added his “Garage Mahal,” a mud room, a master bedroom and bath, with handprinted tiles of his grandchildren in the master shower. A full deck and a new kitchen completed the cottage to accommodate his growing family. "Grandpa’s Cottage" was the pride of his life and his happy place. His talented carpentry and meticulous craftsmanship were evident throughout his masterpiece. At his home-away-from-home, where the entire family enjoyed summer and Christmas vacations, he solicited his son and sons-in-law to help with the additions, providing them “ownership” to his up north retreat. His ultimate sacrifice was his offer to sell his cottage to pay for Sophie’s experimental, cancer treatments. With his many tools, he was always on hand to lend his skills to friends, family, and Up North neighbors. He spent his retirement years (2003-2017) doing remodeling jobs, but his cancer diagnosis in 2017 curtailed his side jobs, but not his love of remodeling, as his wife attests. Patience personified was Frank. He loved to hunt and fish with his son and good buddies, and would sit for hours in his hunting blind or on his little boat in the Detroit River, waiting for the chance to "get the big one" or "limit out" on walleye. The details of his fishing trips to Alaska he shared enthusiastically with anyone who showed an interest. Nature was his heaven on earth. Frank lived life to its fullest. His kindness, patience, skills, talents, knowledge and love were unparalleled. Frank always had time for others and never said, “no,” no matter who was asking for help. While visiting his children, he always managed to find a project to complete for them. His faith in God was evident in his attendance and support of his hometown parish, St. Joseph, and his parish Up North, St Pius X in Hale. Being present at every out-of-town baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation of his grandchildren was a top priority...and he was never late for Mass! He lived "Faith, Family, and Friends." Brother-in-law to Susie’s widowed sister, Toni, Frank was a godsend. Helping with the shaving and bathing of Toni’s handicapped son and his godson, Richard Piotrasch, he was always around to accommodate both their needs, until Richard was placed in the care of Stacey Rogalski. As Toni's needs and health deteriorated, he moved her from her home in Allen Park, following her husband's unexpected death, to her Trenton condominium, to American House, to Elmcroft Assisted Living, and finally to Brownstown Forest View, where she resided until her passing in April of 2021. He took four months to clean, repair, update, and remodel her Trenton condo to prepare for its selling. He also packed and cleaned her cottage in St. Helen to get it ready for the market. He was a humble man, who lived simply. He always answered, "socks, or a new screwdriver" when asked what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas. Yet he loved to give generously to others, and would often put a $100 bill in the palm of his grandchildren's hand at the most random of times. He supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for many years and worked tirelessly and gave generously to Smiles For Sophie Forever, the foundation established by Sophie's parents. He was a wife’s dream and according to his wife, “he made me a better person” with his great character traits. Such a wise and humorous guy, his quick wit always offered a good time with friends and family. His wife said, "If I laughed or smiled at his jokes, witticisms, and clever sense of humor, he was happy." No marriage was perfect, and he worked tirelessly at making it last a lifetime. And it did. His very last dying words to his wife were: "I love you, too." No words will really explain how special he was. He was a man of purpose and passion, consideration and compassion, dedication and devotion. He was loved beyond words. Funeral visitation will be on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Martenson funeral home, 3200 West Rd. in Trenton, from 2:00-8:00pm. His final viewing, eulogy and funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph's, 2565 Third St. in Trenton, beginning with an in-state at 9:30 am. According to Frank's wishes, he will be cremated. Memorial contributions in honor of Frank can be made directly to Smiles For Sophie Forever www.sfsf.org Smiles For Sophie Forever - 32363 Legacy Pointe Pkwy. Avon Lake, OH 44012