Eileen F. Mielke

Obituary

Eileen Frieda Krecklau was born August 13, 1923, on their farm in New Auburn Township-Sibley County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina (Stradtman) Krecklau. Eileen was baptized on September 9, 1923, and confirmed in her faith as a youth on March 21, 1937, at the country church in New Auburn Township. She attended country school in Sibley County #74. Eileen graduated from Glencoe High School with the class of 1941. She furthered her education at a business school in Minneapolis focusing on secretarial skills and completed their program in 1942.

Eileen met Howard Mielke at a dance in New Auburn, Minnesota. They were married on April 28, 1946, at Zion Lutheran Church in New Auburn Township. This marriage was blessed with seven children, Mary, Randy, Mavis, Michael, Joel, Jeffrey, and David. Eileen worked part-time as a clerk for the county treasurer in Glencoe, Minnesota. They farmed in the Hutchinson and Glencoe areas until 1981. They continued to live on the farm until 1997, when they purchased a home and moved to Hutchinson. They shared 56 years of marriage before the passing of Howard on December 27, 2002.

Eileen and Howard initially were members at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. Eventually they joined Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Eileen was active in bible study, card making, crafts, and quilting at Peace Lutheran.

Eileen enjoyed taking care of her family and traveling when she could. She and Howard travelled to Germany, Hawaii, and Florida. After Howard passed away, she even made a trip with her family to Costa Rica. Eileen’s faith was very important to her during her entire life. Gardening and canning were a part of her life and had to be done. Her sugar cookies, crinkle top cookies, and oatmeal raisin cookies were special. She also enjoyed knitting and playing Scrabble. Eileen was a member of the local Home Extension Group from 1946 until 2016, 70 years!

Eileen lived at the home in Hutchinson for several years after Howard passed away and moved to Ecumen Pines in Hutchinson, in July of 2013. While living at Ecumen Pines, she participated in Bone Builders classes each week, card making at the Events Center, working at the Main Street Thrift Shop, and playing hand bells. In 2020, Eileen moved to Parks’ Place in Plymouth, Minnesota, to be closer to her family.

Eileen had no health issues and was a gracious person. She was thoughtful and kind, always welcoming of others. Her attitude was positive, to the last moments of her life on earth. She dearly loved each of her children, unconditionally and equally. She did not judge others. She was thankful for small blessings. Above all, and maybe the reason for her gracious character, was her strong faith in God. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Park’s Place Memory Care in Plymouth, Minnesota, at the age of 98 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Eileen is survived by her
Children, Mary Mielke of New Braunfels, TX,
Mavis McGee and her husband, Timothy of Hamel, MN,
Joel Mielke and his wife, Barbara of Preston, MN,
Jeffrey Mielke of Casselberry, FL,
David Mielke and his wife, Cindy of Monticello, MN;
Grandchildren, Michael Schwarze and his wife, Nasha of New Braunfels, TX,
Nicole Werner and her husband, Todd of Fenton, MO,
Colette Viquez of Maple Grove, MN,
Mark McGee and his wife, Katherine of Coon Rapids, MN,
Heidi Popelka and her husband, Mike of Eagan, MN,
Anna LaPorte and her husband, Zach of Minneapolis, MN,
Johnathan Mielke of Casselbery, FL,
Micheal Mielke of Casselberry, FL,
Cassandra Mielke of Casselberry, FL,
Lauren Johnson and her husband, Andy of Hutchinson, MN,
Kerry Mielke and his wife, Kristin of Albertville, MN,
Step-grandchildren, Brooke Mielke of Gainesville, FL;
Carissa Denning and her husband, Brian of Zimmerman, MN,
Jesse Cole and his fiancé, Rachel Salzwedel of Fridley, MN,
Great-grandchildren Nathan Schwarze, Sarina Schwarze, Adam Werner, Natalie Werner, Mariana Viquez, Hendrick McGee, Jordan Popelka, Aubrey Popelka, Amelia LaPorte, Henry LaPorte, Stella Clark, Kali Mielke, Kaleb Mielke, Karson Mielke;
Step-great grandchildren,
Joshua Howard, Alex Denning, Nick Denning, Desmond Cole, Marli Johnson
Many other relatives and friends.

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Wilhelmina Krecklau; Husband, Howard Mielke; Sons, Michael (in infancy) and Randall; Grandson, Patrick McGee; Brothers, Lawrence Krecklau and his wife, Irene, Harold Krecklau and his wife, Mildred; Sisters, Esther Kloempken and her husband, Edwin; Helen Franke and her husband, Melvin and daughter-in-law Mary Mielke.

Memorials are preferred to Peace Lutheran Church. A special thank you is extended to the committed care givers at Ecumen Pines in Hutchinson and Parks’ Place in Plymouth who provided loving care for Eileen during her stays there.