William Stanley Miska

On the morning of Sunday, February 2, 2025, William S. Miska (88) of Nashport passed away peacefully with his loving wife of sixty-two years by his side. For eighty-eight years he remained steadfast in his commitment to faith, family, friends, and the community around him.

 Bill was born on August 4, 1936, to Joseph and Stella (Miciak) Miska in Cleveland, Ohio. The son of a Polish immigrant, Bill learned the importance of hard work and dedication from an early age and carried these values with him throughout his nearly nine decades on Earth. A 1954 graduate of Olmsted Falls High School, Bill went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Miami University of Ohio in 1958, as well as his Masters of Geology from the same institution in 1960. Following his collegiate years, Bill relocated to Washington, DC to begin his career with the Department of the Interior. Marrying his wife Joan in 1963, the couple enjoyed their first two years of marriage in the Nation’s Capital before relocating to Rosemount, Minnesota where they welcomed their first child in 1970. That same year, the young family moved to Bloomington, Indiana where Bill accepted a position with the US Bureau of Mines as a Liaison Officer for the states of Indiana and Ohio. During this time period, the couple also welcomed their second child in 1972, and continued their lives in Indiana for another seven years.

In 1979, the family made their final relocation to Nashport, Ohio, where Bill began his role as District Manager for the US Office of Surface Mining. During this era of his life, Bill played a crucial role on a team of professionals which was responsible for verifying compliance with the Federal Strip Mining Act. Bill continued his work in Muskingum and Franklin Counties until his retirement in 1995. For nearly thirty years, he remained a productive member of the community, donating his time to a multitude of organizations throughout Muskingum County. He dedicated many years of service to Genesis Hospital, The Wilds, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Boy Scouts of America, and the Dillon Park Advisory Committee. Bill enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, cycling, fishing, nature exploration, and traveling.

 Bill is survived by his wife Joan (Dirkse) Miska, his children Sally (Megan) of Columbus and John (Gwen) of Dresden, his grandsons Ryan of Westerville, as well as Evan and his mother Kelly of Newark, and his siblings Dick of Olmsted Falls and Terrie (Roy) of Olmsted Falls.

In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his sister-in-law Carol Miska. 

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2025, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE. A memorial service will immediately follow, beginning at 1PM and will be officiated by Pastor Dennis Allison. Burial will follow at the Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Wilds or Trinity United Presbyterian Church on Military Road.

To send a note of condolence, or to order plants or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740) 452-4551