Jack J. Mielke

Jack J. Mielke, age 71, Rib Mountain, died Wednesday, September 25, 2013, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home surrounded by family. He was born June 18, 1942, in Wausau, son of the late Aldon and Evelyn (Gartmann) Mielke. On April 20, 1968, he married Karen Schlaefer at St. Mary's Church, Wausau. She survives. Jack served his country in the United States Army and had worked as a machine operator for Graphic Packaging. He was active in the Cub Scouts with Troop 427, Wausau and was honored to receive the Cub Master of the Year from the Rib Mountain District. Jack enjoyed camping with his family, cooking over an open wood fire and flower gardening, especially roses. He was always fixing or building something; he remodeled all of the family's homes and two additions to his brother-in-law's cottage. Spending time with his family was most important to him and his quirky sense of humor and ability to make everyone laugh will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Karen, Rib Mountain; children, Corey Mielke, Neenah, and his daughter, Evelyn; Katrina (Steve) Kopp, Mosinee, and their children, Kole and Austin; and Bradley (Jessica) Mielke, Wausau, and their children, Collin and Grace; brother, Ardin and family; sisters, Arleen Kersten and family and Kathleen Van Price and family; sister-in-law, Rose Ann Mielke and family; and many other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur. Memorial services will be 4-:30 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2013, at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Jeffrey Hennes will preside. Friends may call Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church. The family would like to thank all the staff in the Pulmonary Rehab Center, Dr. Al-Bacil, Dr. Polomis and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their care. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com