Cover photo for Kathleen Mielke's Obituary
Kathleen Mielke Profile Photo
1945 Kathleen 2022

Kathleen Mielke

October 19, 1945 — September 14, 2022

Kathleen M Mielke died on September 14th, 2022. She was comforted by having family surround her in her final days. 

Kathy was born October 19th 1945 in Albert Lea, MN to Thomas and Ruth Parry. She graduated Albert Lea High School in 1963. She told many stories of “playing ball” across the street from her home with her 8 siblings and neighborhood children. She married Virgil Mielke on June 8th 1968; they later divorced.

Kathy was known as “the baby whisperer” and owned her own daycare for many years. She often talked about “her kids” and they always brought a smile to her face. Kathy’s true pride and joy were her children and the special relationship she had with her grandchildren. She loved visiting with her nieces and nephews, and often had them over at her house as they were growing up.

Kathy later worked at Minnesota State University-Mankato and retired from there in 2008.

She was always known as a hard worker, someone who always had to be working on a project. She was known as a loyal family member and friend, always being the first to offer help when needed. She was very independent and handy, reading books on projects she wanted to complete so she could complete things herself. She will be remembered fondly as quick witted, always looking for a laugh.

Kathy is survived by daughters Angi Wood (Richard), Tina Zimmerman (Mike), and son Ryan Mielke (Carla). Grandchildren Jake, Jenny and Samantha Wood, Sam and Katy Zimmerman, and Lucas and Blake Mielke. Brothers Jim Parry (Faye) and Terry Parry and Sister Connie Ricke, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Kathy was proceeded in death by her mom and dad, Tom and Ruth Parry, Sisters Pat O’Hara, Jeanette Parker, and Margie Doyle, brothers Tom Parry and Robert Parry.

The family would like to thank Birchwood Cottage staff for the friendship, laughs, support and most of all love they provided for Kathy. Also, thanks to New Brighton Hospice for the tender care they provided.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, Sept 23 at 3:00pm at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, with burial immediately following at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Pastor Dan Kordahl will be officiating.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kathleen Mielke, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, September 23, 2022

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)

Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home

1415 State Hwy 13, Albert Lea, MN 56007

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Friday, September 23, 2022

Starts at 3:00 pm (Central time)

Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home

1415 State Hwy 13, Albert Lea, MN 56007

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Friday, September 23, 2022

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