FREDERICK MIELKE obituary

POLSON - Frederick "Fred" H. Mielke, 85, of Polson, died at a Missoula hospital on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004, from natural causes.

A memorial service, with military honors and Masonic rites was scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Polson Community Church with the Rev. Richard

Widerholdt officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Richland Memorial Park in Sidney.

Fred was born on Oct. 14, 1918, in Sidney to George and Maude (Harrison) Mielke. He grew up and attended schools in Sidney and graduated from Sidney High School.

Fred served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II. He returned to Sidney in 1945.

Fred married Millie Yackey on April 20, 1946. They lived in Sidney and Fred worked as a banker at the Sidney National Bank until 1970. They also lived in Havre and Chinook, where Fred worked as a banker. Fred retired at age 62 and he and Millie moved to Polson. Fred stayed active in banking and served on the board of eirectors at First Citizens Bank, Polson, until his death.

Fred was a member of Rotary, A.F. & A.M. Montana, a grand master in Masons, Shriners and played in the Shrine Oriental Band in Havre. He was also a life member of VFW Post 4099 in Sidney and a member of the Polson Community Church.

Woodworking became Fred's passion in retirement. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting pheasants.

Fred loved his family and taught his values to his family.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, two half sisters, and a brother, Charles Mielke.

Survivors include his wife, Millie Mielke of Polson; children, George Mielke of New York, John Mielke of Florida and Maggie Darlington of Polson; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to Polson Community Church.

Cremation and arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory, Polson.