John H. Mielke

John H. Mielke passed away peacefully on Monday, January 1, 2018, at the age of 99. John was born in Waukesha and was the only child of Harry Mielke and Lillian (Harris). Lillian passed away and Harry then married Evelyn (Cardin). They had a son, Myles Mielke.
John graduated from Waukesha High School and the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. At his side throughout his journey was the love of his life, Lois (Trakel). They started dating in high school and married in 1941. They were happily married for 75 years until Lois passed away in 2016.
Upon graduation from the University of Wisconsin, John worked for the City of Waukesha for a short period of time before joining the U.S. Army in 1942. John then attended Yale University and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. John was sent to the CBI Theatre during the war where he laid out airfields for the air transport command. When he returned from the war as a captain, John returned to work for the City of Waukesha. John met a fellow engineer named Frank Ruekert; and the two of them decided to form their own consulting engineering company named Ruekert and Mielke.
Ruekert and Mielke grew rapidly along with the growth of Waukesha County. John was involved in many of the developing communities designing water systems and wastewater treatment facilities as well as many of the subdivisions and industrial parks.
John was active in his engineering profession including the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers, where he was recognized as the first Engineer of the Year. He served as the chairman of the board that developed the City of Waukesha building code. He was also active in the American Waterworks Association. And he was proud to be an active member of the Waukesha Elks Club for over 50 years.
But most important of all was John’s family. Lois was the love of his life, but his pride and joy shone through the four children they raised: Linda Melham (John) now of Mechanicsburg, PA.: William (Barbara) of Oconomowoc, WI.; Cherry Finck (Doug) of Brewer, ME; and Jill May (Ron) of Waukesha, WI. John and Lois were further blessed with 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
John and Lois enjoyed entertaining many of their friends and families at their summer cottage on Pewaukee Lake. There was always room at the dinner table for any additional friends the children brought home. John and Lois spent winters at their condominium in Cocoa Beach, Florida. And they also traveled with friends to many interesting locations including: Europe, Asia, Africa, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers from Assist at Home that have watched over John the last several months. Thanks to you, John was able to stay in his comfortable home.
Visitation will be at Randle-Dable Brisk Funeral Home, (1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha, WI) Saturday, January 13, 2018, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The formal service will follow immediately officiated by the Reverend David Simmons. A brief graveside service will take place for the family only at Prairie Home Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts may be made to: Waukesha Engineering Scholarship Fund, W233 N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Waukesha, WI 53188 or University of Wisconsin Foundation, UW College of Civil Engineering Annual Fund, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706.