Mikesh, Susan Caliope (Hoffman) 1960 - 2014

MIKESH, HOFFMAN, NIKAS, VERWEY, AAMAAS, JAKOB, MADAAN, GIBBS, MARTINEZ, COLISTON, FODNESS, SOSA, LANGE, THOMAS, ALGIRE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/30/2014 at 10:24:10

Susan Mikesh, age 54, of Calmar, IA, died on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at her home in Calmar, IA.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2014, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel in Calmar, IA, with Rev. Phil Olson presiding.

Friends may call from 1:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2014, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel in Calmar, IA.

On the afternoon of Wednesday May 21, 2014 Susan Caliope Mikesh (née Hoffman) passed away due to complications from a 25 year battle with Scleroderma. Her passing was sudden yet peaceful, bathed in the glow of the afternoon sun during a much deserved nap next to her husband of 31 years. Susan was born on January 29, 1960 in the town of Worthington in Nobles County MN she was the fourth child and third daughter to Dale and Elaine Hoffman (née Nikas). She was a nurturing sister to her many siblings.

In 1976 Susan made her way to Palo Alto CA where she lived with her Aunt and Uncle Sally and Joe Pinter. Eventually moving to Los Angeles where she met her future husband James Mikesh. They were married in a small ceremony in Las Vegas NV on November 17, 1983. After which they moved to Hawaiian Gardens, CA where they would raise their children. In August of 2003 Susan and family moved into James’ childhood home in Calmar, IA. Susan worked faithfully and compassionately at Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah IA as a Nursing Assistant and Activity Aide from 2005 until she passed. Susan was dedicated to her children, kind, accepting and free spirited in her own way. Susan was conscious of matters like the environment and sustainability long before they were vogue, she truly loved nature and always put others before herself. Though she was not wealthy she made a point to donate to many causes such as the Audubon Society, Scleroderma Foundation and volunteered at a number of Animal Shelters. Despite her ordeal with Scleroderma and Rheumatoid Arthritis she pursued many interests like gardening, quilting, sewing, the harmonica, & photography with aplomb. Like her namesake Calliope the muse of Poetry, she enjoyed the arts and wrote poetry. She loved her family both near and far and looked forward to reunions and other family gatherings with great anticipation. She was a woman of great integrity and strength. A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Susan embodied forgiveness and humility and will be missed by all she touched in her short life.

Susan is survived by her husband: James Mikesh of Calmar. 3 daughters, 1 step-daughter and 2 grandchildren: Jenny Hoffman (Shane Verwey) of Madison WI, Theresa Aamaas (Ola Jakob) and their son Andre of Portland, OR and Kimberly Mikesh (Puneet Madaan) of Houston TX. Her step-daughter: Kore Gibbs (Scott) and daughter Molly of Yuma AZ. Her father: Dale and step-mother Charlotte Hoffman of Sioux Falls SD. Mother: Eileen Martinez (née Nikas) of Albuquerque NM. 13 brothers and sisters: Dalain Coliston of Columbia SC, Brenda Fodness (Gary) of Kenneth MN, Mark Hoffman of Sioux Falls SD, Lewis Hoffman of Sun Valley CA, Brenda Dee Sosa of Las Vegas NV, Carla Hoffman of Houston TX, Anthony Hoffman of Sioux Falls SD, Lance Hoffman of Winona MN, Kirsten Lange (Joel) of Sioux Falls SD, Phil Martinez (Wendy) of Ocean NJ, Angie Thomas (Jack) of Kathleen GA, Denise Algire (Bill) of Albuquerque NM, and Robert Martinez (Cindy) of Amarillo TX. Brothers-in-law: Thomas Mikesh (Monica Bates) of Decorah IA, Roy Mikesh (Jan) of Indianapolis IN, Gary Mikesh (Connie) of Decorah IA. As well as dozens of nieces and nephews, many aunts and uncles, and a great number of cousins.

She is preceded by her Grandparents: Louis Hoffman, Antoinette Hoffman, Brothers: Richie Hoffman, and Ricky Martinez. Step-father: Bob Martinez, and Mother and Father in Law: James and Faith Mikesh.

Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database

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