Obituary: Richard Mielke

Richard Henry Mielke, age 85 years, of Worthington, MN died March 15, 2013 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Born September 6, 1927, in Hartley, Iowa, he was the son of Adolph and Erna (Boernsen) Mielke. He grew up on a farm near Heron Lake, MN, where he attended school. Richard’s education continued through his military service. He moved with his family to the Worthington area in 1954 where he continued to farm with his father. Richard served his country during the Korean Conflict, being stationed in Japan where he worked in the US Army Motor Pool as a vehicle mechanic.

Richard married Betty Lou Felt on July 26, 1956, in Sibley, Iowa. Betty died October 25, 1987. He married Genevieve (Nystrom) Jeppesen on February 1, 1991, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.

Richard farmed near Round Lake for 32 years, retiring from active farming in 1992. While farming, he worked seasonally as a truck driver for Don Doeden. Richard also had an interesting short-term job when the US Postal Service experimented with a Mobile Post Office. While some employees were in the back of the truck sorting mail picked up from Minneapolis, another worker was driving to Southwest Minnesota. After official retirement he drove truck and bus part time for a number of Worthington firms including Smith Trucking, Southwest MN Opportunity Council and Worthington Monument. In the busy spring and fall farming seasons, he helped farmers in the area including his son-in-law with planting, harvest and tillage.

He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church of Round Lake and a member of the American Legion Post #461 in Round Lake. Richard and Genevieve faithfully attended Indian Lake Baptist Church for 22 years.

He is survived by his wife, a son, Richard (Lori) Mielke, grandsons Ben and Brian of Raleigh NC, a daughter Roxann (Greg) Leckband, grandchildren Lacey, Laura, Kayla and Jonathan of Ocheyedan, IA, three stepsons: Lynn Jeppesen, Sioux City, IA; Kent (Karen) Jeppesen, Hastings, MN; and Kris (Janet) Jeppesen, Brookings, SD, one great-grandchild and 8 step grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Bob (Donna) Mielke of Windom; sisters-in-law Fanchen Ness and Annabelle Mielke of Windom and brother-in-law Bud Feltz of Sioux City, IA.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Betty, sister Luella Thiner and grandson Kole Leckband.

Visitation will be at Benson Funeral Home, Worthington, on Monday, March 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. Services will be Tuesday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1505 Dover Street, Worthington. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Worthington Cemetery East with Military Rites.

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