Service Details
A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Water of Life Lutheran Church (formerly Epiphany Lutheran), 2921 Olive Street, Racine, with the funeral service to follow. Friends and family are invited to attend a dinner after the service. A private committal will take place the following morning.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials have been suggested to Water of Life Lutheran Church or the ASPCA.
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Alan R. Mielke, 90, of Wautoma, Wis., and formerly of Kenosha and Racine, passed away Sunday, Dec. 26, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.
Born in Kenosha, Feb. 24, 1931, he was the son of the late Herman and Emma (Flug) Mielke.
June 28, 1952, Al married Beverly R. Lange at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Racine. Beverly was the love of his life since the day they met bowling at Friedens Hall in Kenosha. As the story goes, he told a friend: “I’m going to marry that girl.”
In addition to many friends and extended family members, Al is survived by Beverly, by their son and daughter-in-law, John and Patricia, by their daughter and son-in-law, Judith and Don Kirby, and by their grandson and granddaughter-in-law, John I. Mielke and Renee Tourdot – whom he loved dearly.
Growing up in Kenosha, Al attended Friedens Evangelical Lutheran School and was confirmed at Friedens Church. Al graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School, worked at the Kenosha Theater and set pins at the Friedens Hall bowling alley. At Friedens and Guttormsen Lanes, then in downtown Kenosha, he became a pretty darn good bowler. Later in life, he enjoyed competing in Racine city bowling leagues and tournaments for the Webster Electric and Taylor Avenue Barbers teams, as well as state and regional Lutheran and ABC tournaments.
When Al and Beverly moved to Wautoma, they remained active and interested members of Epiphany Lutheran Church celebrating many special occasions there. Living year round in Wautoma gave Al the chance to golf and fish in the summer, and ski in the winter. He joined Waushara Country Club and at the age of 83 he made a hole in one – which Al disputed because the league had suggested that older golfers play from the forward tees.
He and Beverly loved watching the Packers, Badgers, Bucks, Cubs and Blackhawks – and just about any NBA game they could find.
Al had a long sales career at Webster Electric Co., and was always thinking about the customer. One time he “borrowed” the corporate jet to take a single hydraulic pump to a customer in Iowa. That story was told and retold over the years. Long after retirement, Al proudly wore his Webster ring and watch honoring more than 30 years of loyal service.
Al’s family thanks the staff at Heartland House in Wautoma along with numerous doctors, nurses and clergy throughout the state who helped him enjoy a full and long life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Water of Life Lutheran Church in Racine or to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Water of Life Lutheran Church (formerly Epiphany Lutheran), 2921 Olive Street, Racine, with the funeral service to follow. Friends and family are invited to attend a dinner after the service. A private committal will take place the following morning. Memorials have been suggested to Water of Life Lutheran Church or the ASPCA.
Judie and David Nielsen says
Gone but never will be forgot. John so sad to know your dad has moved into heaven and that you will miss him. You have our deepest sympathies. Judie and Dave
Fr. Rick Stoffel says
Dear Ones,
My sympathies, condolences and heartfelt prayers at your loss of such a good man … may he rest in peace!
Fr. Rick Stoffel @ St. Peter, Slinger
Gary & Gerry Lipor says
Johnny & Patti & family. He sure sounded like a neat guy. I bet he enjoyed playing golf with Patti & maybe John too. Blessings. May he RIP
Jill Castillo says
John, my condolences to you and your family. It’s never easy to lose a parent. I know you two were close. You are in my prayers
Jim & Pam Holochwost says
So sorry to hear about your dad John. Losing a parent is never easy. Pam and I send our best thoughts to you.
Dave and Dottie Kowbel says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Al has found peace in heaven. Your family is in our prayers.
Tom & Theresa Gierach says
Bev, John and Judy. We are so sad to hear of Al’s passing. Words can hardly express the loss you are feeling. We will keep Al in our hearts. I’m sorry I can’t be there in person, but I have been fighting a bad cold. Tom and Theresa
The Family of Al Mielke says
Thank you, everyone, for the kind words, the love, and the prayers. Thinking back about Al these past days, each of us will certainly hold something a little different in our heart. But as his family, one thing we will all fondly remember is how much he enjoyed meeting and talking to people. On the golf course, in the grocery store, at the gas station or in his favorite restaurant — it didn’t matter — he was truly interested in what was going on in someone’s life.
During Dad’s service at Water of Life Lutheran Church with pastors Zarling and Shepherd it was comforting and reassuring to hear, once again, of his strong Christian faith.
Thank you, all, so much.