Wayne Mielke passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 18, 2016, surrounded by his family at their home on Spring Lake.
The Mielke family will greet guests on Monday, December 26, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service at church. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Tuesday, December 27 at 11 am, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor Rebecca Gamble will preside. He will be laid to rest at Spring Lake Cemetery.
Wayne was born to parents, Norman and Dorothea Mielke on July 27, 1943 in Winona, MN. He grew up in St. Paul with his older brother Norman Jr. Wayne developed an appreciation and love of the outdoors through hunting, fishing, and camping. He had a long career working as a mechanic at Northwest Airlines. After retirement, Wayne was fortunate to work part time as a driver at North Star Auto Auction. He truly loved socializing and joking with the staff and fellow drivers and looked forward to morning coffee and pizza parties with the guys.
Wayne became familiar with Spring Lake when he travelled there for family fishing trips. He purchased property on the lake and planned to build a house with the help of family and friends. Wayne was introduced to Terry Anderson when friends set them up on a blind date. They married on April 26, 1969, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN. Wayne and Terry moved into their home in March of 1970. They had two daughters, Kim and Kris. Wayne was actively involved in their school and sporting activities as a fan, official, umpire, and team photographer. Years later, he was delighted to become a grandfather to Samantha.
Wayne was active in community events. He made cotton candy for Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran church, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and local seasonal celebrations earning him the title “The Candy Man.” Camping, travelling, fishing, ice-fishing, working on the house, and building his Christmas Village were activities he enjoyed in his down time.
Wayne was a quiet, loyal, and caring man who also had a strong sense of humor. He was known for his corny jokes and appreciation of laughter. He will be missed.
Surviving Wayne are his wife Terry; daughters Kim Mielke and Kris (Shawn) Beckers; granddaughter Samantha Beckers; nephews Jack Norman and Eric Mielke; niece Nicole Paulson; many other relatives and devoted friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Norman and Dorothea, and brother, Norman Jr.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Mielke family. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
