Thomas B. Mielke

October 3, 1938 - June 16, 2018

Mineral Point – Thomas Berthold Mielke, age 79, of Mineral Point, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville, after struggling with respiratory issues. Tom was born on October 3, 1938 in New Ulm, MN to Reinhold and Ruth Mielke. Tom was the middle child of three children, older brother David (Ellen) and younger sister Beverly (Kenneth). Tom was raised in Milwaukee from first grade on and graduated from South Division High School. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Tom met the love of his life Carol (Wierschke) during church youth group and they married at St. Martini Lutheran Church on August 14th 1965. They settled down in Mineral Point the following year and spent their life there. Throughout Tom’s life he was proud of many things but his greatest gifts came when they adopted their two children; Jill (Roy) and Jack (Sue). Tom loved his family greatly and adored time with his grandchildren; Jessica (Kevin) , Nicole (Casey), Bobby, Sam and Aaron. He later adored the smiles of his three great granddaughters; Becca, Tauriel and Avery. Family time was his favorite time. Tom served the Mineral Point community for 50 years devoting his heart and time to many. Tom loved to teach. He spent 7 years teaching in Cudahy and 31 years at Mineral Point Schools, of which 12 years were as Principal and the remaining years were spent teaching in the elementary and middle school. Tom was dedicated to all of his past students and thought of them often and fondly after his retirement. Tom spent many years as a Cub Scout leader, volunteer for the Gundry house and local visitors center, and tour guide for the Railroad museum. Tom loved the Lord and served faithfully on the church council, as a Sunday school teacher and in any other way he could. He was always willing to get things done. Tom received the Citizen of the Year Award in 1979. After his retirement Tom continued to substitute and volunteer in the schools, enjoying the students and staff. Tom and Carol also often traveled with friends enjoying new adventures, fun places and great company. Tom loved people and could strike up conversation with almost anyone who would listen especially if he could teach something, share a story or make someone smile. When people speak of Tom they speak of his kindness, generosity and humbleness. His bright presence is sorely missed by all who knew him. Tom is survived by his wife Carol, children; Jill and Jack, their spouses, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, relatives and beloved friends. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 400 Ridge Street, Mineral Point. Pastor Cal Schaver will officiate. The family invites all who loved Tom to join them for a luncheon at the Mineral Point Elementary School gym following the service. Burial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday in Arlington Cemetery in Milwaukee. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Wednesday at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH. Flowers can be sent to Faith Lutheran Church or in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the church. The family wishes to thank the community and their church family for the outpouring love, prayers and support they've received during this hard time. They also wish to thank the Upland Hills staff for going above and beyond in the care of both Tom and family.