Herman Albert Mielke

Herman Albert Mielke, age 90, of Gilbert, formerly of Columbia, passed away Monday morning, June 9, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Randallstown, Maryland, the son of the late George W. and Ida Stohs Mielke. His family moved to Irmo, SC in 1953 when his step-father, Rev. George F. Horn, became pastor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.

He served in the U.S. Army and then worked 30 ½ years at Southern Bell, which later became Bell South, until his retirement. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbia.

Herman is survived by his wife of 66 years, Loretta Weed Mielke; one daughter, Joni Fisher of Houston, Texas; one son, Todd Mielke (Cara) of Chapin; three grandsons, Brian Fisher (Christie), Eric Fisher (Sarah) of Houston, and Brett Mielke of Irmo; one granddaughter, Maria Mielke of Chapin; three great-grandchildren, Beckham, Jace, and Hallie; two sisters, Margaret Meetze of Irmo and Helen Lindler of Chapin; and one sister-in-law, Jean Mielke of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were very dear to him.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, George W. and Ida Stohs Mielke; step-father, Rev. George F. Horn; one brother, Ernest Mielke; and one sister, Esther Stillman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Bush River Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 5400 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212. Officiating will be Pastor Jane Mitcham. The family will receive friends after the service.