Thomas Mielke

Mielke, Thomas Thomas P. Mielke, 87, of South Haven, Michigan passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at home.Thomas was born June 18, 1934 in Stevensville, Michigan to Carl and Julia (Bodjack) Mielke. Tom graduated from Stevensville High School in 1952. He married Kathryn Nower on November 12, 1960 at St. John's Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. Tom served he country in the US Army. He was a member of St. Basil Catholic Church and active member of The Knights of Columbus and very proud to be a 4th Degree Knight. While he loved sports and was an avid University of Michigan fan, he was an avid golfer and softball player as well. He played softball until his mid- sixties and golfed as recently as this last summer. Tom would not miss any of his children's sporting events, and attended his grandchildren's events when possible.Tom worked in banking and finance which brought him to South Haven, and spent many years in car sales for Seelye Wright.Tom is survived by his bride, Kay and children; Marie Mielke, Mark Mielke, Michael (Tiffanni) Mielke all of South Haven, Lisa (Mike) Portolese of Mishawaka, Indiana, Karla (Lincoln) Warriner of Jackson, Michigan, Tommie (Melea) Mielke Jr. of Kalamazoo.Grandchildren including Sara, Dominique (Rob), Nathan, Paulette, Josh, Katie (Matt), Michael, Olivia, Abby, Karah, Ryan (Emily), Emily, Audrey (Austin), Ben, Heaven, Caleb, Lily, Noah, Thomas III and Matthew. Tom is also survived 7 great- grandchildren, with another due this summer.Tom is preceded by his parents, Carl and Julia, son, Paul Edward Mielke in 1961, and brothers, Bill Mielke, Myron "Bud" Mielke and sister, Jill Mielke.Visitation will be Thursday, February 24, from 4 to 8 pm at the Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan.You are encouraged to wear U of M or your favorite college sporting attire to the visitation. A Memorial Mass will be Friday, February 25, at 11:00 AM at St. Basil Catholic Church, 313 Monroe Blvd., South Haven, Michigan, Father Jim Morris officiating.Tom will be laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Knights of Columbus, 513 Monroe Blvd., South Haven, MI 49090.Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 269-637-0333.