Harland “Harly” Mielke, 84

Harland “Harly” Mielke, of Stevens Point, peacefully left his earthly life on July 31, 2023, at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids, at the age of 84.

Harland was born September 23, 1938, in Junction City, the son of Oscar and Esther (née Dunow) Mielke. From a young age, he worked on the family farm while attending local schools. As soon as the law would allow it, he valiantly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country with pride and honor from 1957 to 1960.

Following his military dedication, he returned home to marry his best friend and the love of his life, Elsie Jurgella. On July 29, 1961, Elsie became Mrs. Harland Mielke.

The two were an unstoppable team and worked hard to raise their family. Harland was incredibly proud of his sons, Brian and Scott. In time, he became a doting grandfather to his grandchildren, Amanda and Daniel. He enjoyed bragging about sharing his birthday with Amanda and how happy he was to have Daniel as his first grandson.

To provide for his family, Harland worked at Midland Co-op and had a milk route before joining the Copps Company. While he held various positions with the company, his passion was driving trucks. He enjoyed his work for many years until retiring from Copps in 2003.

Harly had a love for the outdoors; spending time camping, fishing, gardening, working in his yard, and grilling with a gin martini in hand as his timer, and he loved music.

However, Harly’s biggest love was his family. He displayed this love with many get-togethers for family and friends and would welcome everyone with a firm handshake and a big hug. He made sure to share his many talents with those around him as well and would help anyone who needed a hand from car work, small machine repair, tree trimming, and more.

Harland will be greatly missed by his wife, Elsie; his sons, Brian and Scott Mielke; his grandchildren, Amanda (Nate) Zurawski and Daniel Mielke; and his great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, Carl Mielke; his sisters, Delores Doesher, Karen Hall and Marcella Mancl; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Harland was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Esther Mielke.

A funeral mass will be held in Harland’s honor at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023, at St. Bronislava Catholic Church, 3200 Plover Rd., Plover. Rev. Edward Shuttleworth will officiate. Friends and family are welcome.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.