John A. Miksch

John Aloysius Miksch, 91, of Platte Center, passed away peacefully at the Genoa Medical Center Monday, January 4th with the love of his life of 57 years to the day, by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2021 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Tarnov, Nebraska. Visitation is 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. Burial is in the St. Michael's Cemetery in Tarnov with military honors by Platte Center American Legion Post #283 Honor Guard.

Masks are required and all CDC guidelines will be followed.

The Vigil Service on Thursday and the Mass Service on Friday will be broadcast on the McKown Funeral Home Facebook Page. You can access the Facebook Page by clicking here .

John A. Miksch was born on the family farm Northwest of Platte Center on April 3, 1929 to Albert and Alice (Purchal) Miksch. He graduated from St. Joseph's Catholic School. He farmed with his Dad until he entered the United States Army in 1951 and served in Korea, obtained the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in July of 1953.  During that time he earned his GED from the United Armed Forces Institute.  John returned to farming and tended not only to his world-famous corn and other crops, but family and friends as well.  He was loved and respected by all who knew him.  He was a loving father and grandfather.

John married Jeanette M. Wandro, January 4, 1964 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Silver Creek, Nebraska. They were proud to be one of the last couples to celebrate their marriage ceremony in the original church.  John and Jeanette became the parents of three children Alice (Dan) Steck; Jean (Brian) Fink and Paul Miksch.

His expertise on the farm was put to use in the annual 4th of July tractor pull, which his grandchildren fondly remember. He never ceased to grant his grandchildren's every wish, and he will forever be remembered with a smile on his face and his beloved dog, Mary, by his side.

He was a proud member of the American Legion Post #283 for more than 50 years. During that time, he held the offices of Commander and Chaplain.  John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and then St. Michal's Parish where he volunteered his time for decades. He was a 4th Degree Knight and a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7762 which originated in Tarnov before moving to Platte Center.  He also served as Grand Knight. John was elected to the Lost Creek Township Board and served three terms.

John is survived by his wife, Jeanette Miksch; children, Alice (Dan Steck) of Platte Center; Jean (Brian Fink) of Las Vegas and Paul Miksch of Platte Center; grandchildren, Ashtyn, Ainsley and Ethan Fink of Las Vegas; sisters, Margaret Miksch and Mary (Betty) Reinig; brother, Fr. Joseph A. Miksch, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Alice Miksch; sister, Sr. Viola Miksch, OSM and Brother-in-law, Alfred Reinig.

Memorials may be directed to Center for Survivors (3103 13 ^th Street, Columbus, NE 68601)