Dale Rodger Mielke

ARLINGTON/MADISON- Dale Roger Mielke, age 82, passed from this life into the loving arms of God on Friday, May 27, 2016. He was born on April 15, 1934 in the township of Arlington, the son of Arthur O. and Helen (Huber) Mielke. After graduating from Poynette High School in 1952, he remained on the family farm with his father and brother. In January 1955, he entered military service and served two years in the Army. After his discharge in January 1957, he returned to the family farm to begin a partnership with his father and brother. On Sept. 9, 1961, he married the former Marla Maureen Wakefield in Footville, Wis. Their marriage was blessed with three children, a daughter, Maureen Ann, and a son and daughter (twins) Mark Alan and Michelle Alisa. Due to health problems, Dale was forced to give up farming in 1982. From May 1984 through May 1997, he was employed by the State of Wisconsin with the Department of Health and Family Services. Dale loved his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a sports enthusiast who played Home Talent baseball and softball in his younger days and was a Green Bay Packers fan and followed UW sports. He loved to travel and enjoyed playing golf and was active in volunteer work. He was a member of Door Creek Church. Survivors include his wife Marla; his children, Maureen (Curt) Alberti of Madison, Mark (Kathy) Mielke of Madison and Michelle (David) Malin of Stoughton. He is further survived by three grandchildren, Julia and Justin Mielke and Marianna Malin; brothers-in-law, Jesse (Corrine) Wakefield and Roger Wakefield; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Phyllis Mielke; a brother, Arthur W. (Fern) Mielke; and sisters-in-law, LaVerle (Wayne) Moffitt and Jeanine Wakefield. Funeral services will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Drive., Madison (corner of Sprecher Rd. and Dominion Dr.), at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, with the Rev. Cal Steiner presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens with Military Honors being conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. The family would like to thank all those who provided support during Dale's illness and especially the wonderful Heartland Hospice staff. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420