Merle Mielke

Merle N. Mielke—born 12/30/36 and passed away 7/3/23 after a brief battle with cancer. Merle is survived by spouse, Kathryn (Atchley) Mielke of Columbia, daughters Ann (Douglas) Bock, Jane (Joel) Merriman of Gretna, NE, Amy Lannin and Jeff (Kristina) Mielke of Columbia. Also survived by grandchildren Zach (Anna), Ethan (Ashley) and Julianna Bock; Jordan, Jesse, Jentry (Nate) Plugge, Jedidiah and Jeremiah Merriman; Elizabeth (William) Miller and Justin (Jolie) Lannin; and Kinsley, MJ and Grayson Mielke, and 4 great-grandchildren. Also survived by brother Jack (Neva) Mielke, Barbara Wilwerding and Patricia Mielke along with many nieces, nephews, other loved ones and friends. Celebration of life service will be July 8 at 11:00 at The Crossing—3615 Southland Dr., Columbia, MO 65201. A celebration will also be held at a later date in Nebraska. Memorials may be made to The Crossing Church Benevolence fund or to Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, Attention: Advancement; 107 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211; online at https://www.muhealth.org/giving/areas-to-support/donate-to-ellis-fischel-cancer-center

Merle was born in Chicago to Violet and Merle Mielke (Sr.). He was the oldest of 5 siblings. The family eventually moved to Omaha. Merle attended Central High School in Omaha where he met and fell in love with Kathryn Atchley. They were married in 1956. Over the next few years Merle attended UNO (at that time called Omaha University) where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering, and then a Master’s in Business Administration. He had several jobs including an electrician apprentice at Union Pacific, industrial engineer at Duncan Hines, and then many years at Northern Natural Gas. In later years he did consulting work at Mutual of Omaha, and then he and a business partner started The Training and Consulting Connection. Merle was an adjunct instructor in Engineering at the University of Nebraska for many years. He was also a “weekend farmer” for a few years, purchasing a farm in central Nebraska and spending his weekends there to work at the farm.

Merle also served in the Naval Reserves for several years in the late 1950s/early 60s. He volunteered with the United Way for many years, was involved with the UNO alumni association, served as president of the local American Institute of Industrial Engineers and was involved with other civic organizations over the years.

He had many interests and skills—hunting, fishing, working on cars (of which we had many broken cars at any given time!), swimming, playing bridge, and most notably cooking and eating! He loved cooking for his family and was especially fond of cooking lobster. Merle was also involved in many church activities, and was an elder at Word of Life Church in Gretna, and taught adult Sunday School for many years. His faith was very important in his life.

Merle and Kathy have 4 children—Ann, Jane, Amy, and Jeff. There were many years spent taking kids to piano lessons, dance class, theater presentations and sporting events, among other things. His family was very important to him, and in more recent years he became a very fun grandfather and great-grandfather, passing along his advice, knowledge, skills and sense of

humor! For those who knew him best, and he would probably describe himself this way - he was a lovable curmudgeon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Mielke family.