Ervin F. Mielkie, 72, of St. Kilian, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2013, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on October 25, 1940, in Theresa, the son of the late Ralph and Amelda "Millie" (Steger) Mielkie, and on June 7, 1969, he was united in marriage to Darlene DeSmidt at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Armstrong.
Ervin served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea. He was a member of St. Kilian Catholic Church in St. Kilian, and was employed by the Gehl Company in West Bend for 23 years and later by Dairyland Seed in Kewaskum, West Bend Equipment in West Bend, Weasler Engineering Inc. in Kewaskum and Karlen Catering in Lomira.
Ervin loved to hunt, especially deer hunting, and enjoyed gardening and yard work. He will fondly be remembered for his ability to fix anything. Ervin had a generous heart. He was available to help anyone who needed a hand anytime. He will be deeply missed by his wife, his family and by all who knew him.
Those Ervin leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 44 years, Darlene; two children, Laureen (Dean) Groth of Brownsville and Garett (Debbie) Mielkie of Kewaskum; two grandchildren, Breanna and Justin Mielkie; a brother, Richard (Kathleen) Mielkie of Elmore; two sisters, Bonnie (Darrel) Sabish and Ramona (Ronald Jr.) Dins both of Elmore, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ervin was preceded in death by a brother, Jerold "Jerry" Mielkie.
A Mass of Christian Burial of Ervin was held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2013, at St. Kilian Catholic Church in St. Kilian with Father Neil Zinthefer officiating. Burial, with military honor rites by members of the Robert G. Romaine American Legion Post 384 Kewaskum, was at 10:00 a.m. on Friday in the parish cemetery.
The Mielkie family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of Mass.
The Miller Funeral Home in Kewaskum was entrusted with Ervin's arrangements.