1926
2018
LEONARD C. MIELKE
Leonard was born on October 26, 1926, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He attended and was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Edgar, Wisconsin. He graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1944.
Leonard stayed at home on the farm during his first year out of high school. Between 1945-1947, he was a cadet teacher at Taylor County Normal School, Medford, Wisconsin. From 1947-1954, he taught grades 1-8 at five different rural schools in Wisconsin.
In 1955, he moved to Muscatine, Iowa, teaching grades 6-8 at Lutheran Children's Home. Here he met Francis Gottschalk and they were married on August 3, 1956. They moved to Immanuel Lutheran Christian Day School in Golden, Illinois in 1958, where he taught grades 1-8.
In 1959, Leonard was called to Christ Lutheran School in West Covina, California to be the principal and a teacher. While here, he completed his Bachelor of Education from Wisconsin State University in 1962. After 10 years, he accepted a teaching position at Sunflower Middle School and later at Royal Oak Intermediate School in the Charter Oak School District. In 1998, he received his Master's Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific College. He retired from teaching after 43 years in 1990. His retirement choices included serving as president of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the California Retired Teachers' Association, gardening, traveling, volunteering at Christ Lutheran, private tutoring and giving music lessons.
Leonard has been a member of Christ Lutheran Church since 1959, serving as a Sunday School teacher and instructor of confirmation classes. He taught Sunday School teacher training classes, was substitute organist, president of the Brotherhood men's group, member of the Chancel Choir since 1959, Elder on the Church Council for two terms, founding director of the Bell Choir, Bible study leader for Faith and Fellowship, attended the Thursday Morning Men's Prayer Breakfast, and performed in the church musicals, "Fiddler on the Roof" and "See".
He suffered a stroke in 2000 but still enjoyed helping with the "Charger" newsletter mailing, counting pennies for Vacation Bible School, and lifting everyone up with his smile. His wife, Francis, faithfully attended to his medical needs for 17 years.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Francis; three daughters, Renell Pialet of Monument, Colorado, Merrill Mielke of West Covina, Yvonne Cendejas of Boise, Idaho; two sons, Merritt Mielke of Helendale, CA and Russell Mielke of Rocklin, CA; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 S. Citrus Street, West Covina, CA. Reception will follow immediately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ Lutheran Church Music Ministry in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 21, 2020
Glenda Schave
Leonard Mielke was my uncle my fathers youngest brother. My father died young age 39 in 1950. Aunt Francis so sorry to find this out. I didnt know until now. I tried calling u today and couldnt get a number so I was checking out google and came across this what a blow, Rest In Peace Uncle Leonard!!!❤
January 20, 2019
M Don
R.I.P Mr Mielke. I was a student at Sunflower in the mid 80's, whenever anybody would ask him if they "can go to the restroom" his response was "I dont know, can you?". Classic Mr. Mielke...
February 6, 2018
Lenore (Levin) Coffman
Mr. Mielke was my third-grade teacher at Christ Lutheran. In fact, all four kids in my family had Mr. Mielke at one time or another. He was, without a doubt, the best teacher I ever had. I have very vivid memories of our class that year, more so than any other year of elementary school. This was due to the profound influence of Mr. Mielke. I remember him so fondly... his great joy of life, his boisterous laugh, his sweet smile, his love of music, his love for kids. He, along with our mom, provided me a life-long foundation in the joy of learning. I will remember Mr. Mielke until the end of my days, with much fondness and admiration for a job so very well done.
January 14, 2018
Ted and Mary Beth Ahrens
Ted and I are sorry for your loss. He was such a sweet soul and I know he will be missed
January 14, 2018
Phil & Terri Skains
Rick & Renell and family. You are in our prayers at this challenging time.
January 13, 2018
JIM TAWNEY
Thinking of you and your family, Renell.
January 13, 2018
Toby Alfaro
I'm thankful that in my 6th grade year when Royal Oak was just starting as an intermediate school he taught me among other things Roman numerals that I never stopped using. God bless him in his new heavenly home.
January 12, 2018
Andrea Fryt
Renell and family,
I am so sorry. I know your was a most wonderful man and father...one had to look no further than you.
My sincerest condolences.
January 12, 2018
James & James Lynn Crose
I remember years ago I never spelled rehearsal correctly, I always forgot the "a." One day Leonard came up to me and simply said, the word "hear" is in rehearsal, that will help you remember how to spell it. I never spelled it wrong again! What a wonderful, kind, loving Christian husband, father, friend and teacher Leonard Mielke was. I know that heaven rejoiced when he came home. We miss you and look forward to seeing you again. With all our Love,
January 12, 2018
Margarete Sseagraves
So sorry of your loss. My God give you peace and comfort in days ahead.
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