David Leo Miska

David Leo Miska, age 87 of Circle Pines MN, formerly from Pine City. Dave passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026. He was born December 21, 1938 to Frank and Cecile Miska. Dave was the second child of thirteen. All his siblings' names started with the letter D. Dave grew up in Pine City where he graduated with the class of 1956. He married Geraldine Haugen on April 23, 1960 and together they had three children, Darla, Brad, and Todd. They made their home in Circle Pines where Dave has continued to live for the past 50 years. 

Dave served in the military with the Army; he was stationed in Florida awaiting deployment to Cuba for the invasion of Bay of Pigs. His job in the Army was driving trucks. His love of driving continued through his career. He worked for Indian Head- Merchants Cartridge and Nystrom Trucking, and he eventually retired from ABF. His passion for driving earned him a first-place finish in the semi-truck driving rodeo. 

Dave also lived in Arizona for a couple of years. He would winter there and on occasion stay the whole year. He enjoyed this for five years before coming back to his home in Circle Pines. Dave was known for his card playing abilities and cruising in the park on his scooter. He loved playing 500, actually any card game. He would especially enjoy playing with people that he claimed had no idea what they were doing! He was always proud to take home the pot of two bucks! The desire to win was strong. He loved riding his motorcycle and went to Sturgis too many times to count. He would travel with the same group of guys, and make lots of memories. He also was a genius in his own way, repurposing tables, chairs, and devices that he saw could be useful. He would often shop at the Goodwill to find his treasures to repurpose. Dave was known to hand out his famous pens with slogans and his name to all he met. Even up to his last day with us, he made sure all the staff that worked with him received one of the pens. 

Dave will be missed by his children, Dave Skow (Brenda), Darla Miska, Brad Miska (Stephanie), and Todd Miska (Stacy); grandchildren, Kristy Skow, Stacey Bushey (Jon), Alyssa Mazzola (Nick ), Kallie Miska, Gabrielle Connolly (Ricky), Cole Miska (Kenadie), Dalton Miska, Calvin Miska, Hunter Miska (Kailey), and Dekotah Miska; and 15 great grandchildren. Dave will also be missed by his many card playing friends, and acquaintances of which some became friends during his 87 years.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Dennis and Dominick Miska. 

At Dave's request, there will be no service, however a Celebration of his life will be planned for June 21, 2026 - following will be private interment at Fort Snelling.

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