Mielke, William Arthur
William Arthur Mielke, age 85, New London passed away on Monday, May 14, 2012. He was born in West Bloomfield in Waushara County, WI to the late Ernest and Elsie (Bauer) Mielke on November 1, 1926. William resided in the Weyauwega area and attended Weyauwega High School. He began his employment at Louie's Super Service in Weyauwega. Following that he moved to New London and was employed at Freiburger's Garage where he worked for twenty-five years before establishing his own business in New London. Bill operated Mielke Auto for the next twenty years, maintaining an excellent reputation for auto body repair, retiring in 1989. In 1955, he married Kathleen Roman Stevens and they have resided in New London since that time. Bill was a member of Most Precious Blood Congregation and the Knights of Columbus for over fifty years. He was very active in Little League and coached the "Wolves" for thirteen years. He enjoyed sports, especially Packer football and held season tickets for over fifty years, attending the "ice-bowl" and Super Bowl II. He was also an avid follower of the "Chicago Cubs". Bill loved boating and traversed the Wolf River for many years. One of his greatest loves was "Big Band" music and dancing to it and he traveled to wherever a dance band was playing for many years, even to "The Roof" in Indianapolis. He always enjoyed a game of Sheepshead and visiting with friends and family. He was a "Mr. Fix-it" man, always making something, repairing something or helping his children with their cars. Bill thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and had a very special relationship with them. Bill is survived by his wife Kathleen; four children: Jay Mielke (Dawn), Neenah; Cheryl T. Schmidt (William), New London; David S. Mielke (Stacey), Greenville; and Mary K. Salerno (Manuel) Germany; and a daughter-in-law, Marlene Mielke, Mosinee, WI. Eight grandchildren: Meghan Mielke, Marissa Mielke, Lucas Salerno, Timothy Salerno, Kathleen Salerno, Caitlin Schmidt, Taylor Mielke and Dylan Mielke. Step grandchild, Ben Weisner (Dani) and step great-grandchildren, Makayla and Sophia Weisner. He is further survived by a brother-in-law Clifford "Ed" Roman (Joan), New London; a sister-in-law, Marlene Mielke, Oshkosh and also numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by one son, Mark Stevens Mielke; four brothers: Jack Mielke, Frank Mielke, Harvey Thews and Elmer Thews; a sister Adeline Deiner, four sisters-in-law: Shirley Mielke, Myrtle Thews, Elvira Thews and Alice Marie Roman; a brother-in-law, Harvey Deiner. Grandpa Bill was very special to all of his children and grandchildren and will be greatly missed, however will remain always in their hearts. We will "see you in the spring". Funeral mass for Bill was held today, Thursday, May 17, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, New London. Burial is in the parish cemetery. Visitation was at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to extend a thank you to ThedaCare at Home Hospice and New London Family Medical staff. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, 209 W Cook St., New London, www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com