Susan Carol (Skeeter) Miklavcich, beloved daughter, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025 at the age of 82. Born on July 5, 1943 in Ely, Minnesota to Frank Miklavcich and Carol (Chinn) Miklavcich, Susan’s life was marked by compassion, quiet strength, and a deep commitment to those she held dear.
Susan grew up in Ely, Minnesota, where summers were filled with swimming in Shagawa Lake and babysitting for local families. She joyfully participated in Ely’s Fourth of July parades and spent her younger years leading day camps at Whiteside Park, bringing joy and learning to children in her hometown. One of her most unique and cherished experiences was caring for her grandfather’s sled dogs. With pride and enthusiasm, she mushed those dogs through countless winter parades and festivals.
A lifelong educator, Susan was a wonderful and devoted second grade and kindergarten teacher for 35 years in Silver Bay. She touched the lives of countless children with her warmth, patience, and gentle spirit. Her classroom was a place of joy and discovery, where young learners were encouraged, celebrated, and loved. Susan brought life to her classroom with the Snoopy House in second grade and the imaginary trip to Walt Disney World for her Kindergarten students. She had a few firsts during this time—becoming the first single woman to purchase a home in Silver Bay and the first person to adopt a child in Lake County. Remarkable!
Outside the classroom, Susan had many passions. She was a talented seamstress who took great pride in her sewing projects, often creating clothes for her newly adopted daughters. She was an active member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at the United Protestant Church, lovingly crafting shawls that offered comfort and healing to those in need. Susan also cherished time spent in nature and especially loved camping adventures with her two children, creating lifelong memories.
Susan’s gentle spirit extended to her love of animals, especially her cherished dogs, Tiger and Mickey, who brought her endless joy and companionship over the years.
Susan was preceded in death by her father and mother Frank Miklavcich and Carol (Chinn) Miklavcich, along with her fur babies Tiger and Mickey who are waiting for her on the rainbow bridge. She leaves behind her daughters Mary Susan Miklavcich and Julie Miklavcich. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Protestant Church in Silver Bay, Minnesota, on Saturday, July 26, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be held in Ely, Minnesota after the service. In lieu of flowers, teddy bears or stuffed animals will be collected at the service to be donated to a children’s hospital in Susan’s honor—continuing her lifelong legacy of caring for children with warmth and love. To share a memory or leave an online condolence visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
