William "Bill" Mielke, 90, of Brookings, passed away on Friday, November 4, 2022, at the United Living Community surrounded by his family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Brookings.  Interment will follow the service at St. Thomas More Catholic Cemetery in Brookings.  Visitation will be held the evening prior, Tuesday, November 8, 2022, from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., with a Liturgical Wake and Rosary service held at 7:00 P.M. at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.

Bill was born August 1, 1932 in Elkton, SD to Edwin and Kathryn (Kelly) Mielke. The second of nine siblings, he grew up and worked on the family farm southwest of Elkton. Bill attended District #66 school through 8th grade, then Elkton High School.

In February 1952 he enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and served as an ENFN (Engineman Fireman) 2nd Class Petty Officer with Amphibious Boat Unit One, completing boot camp and later Engineman's training in San Diego and serving at Camp McGill near Yokosuka, Japan. He earned the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding performance of duty during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged February 1956, when he returned to South Dakota to help support his family. He spoke fondly of his years in "the service" and the opportunities it afforded him.

On June 22, 1963 Bill was united in marriage to Barbara "Barb" Sellner in Sleepy Eye, MN. They moved to Brookings, SD, purchasing their home in 1965 where they've since resided. They raised three children: Mary Beth, Michelle, and Barry.

Bill worked in road construction operating a motor grader for more than 50 years, employed with Vander Wal Construction for 39 years, then Hulsebus Construction, and, finally, Bowes Construction until his retirement. He was known as deeply hardworking, dedicated, and highly skilled in his work.

Bill carefully tended his yard and garden and was a lifelong farmer-at-heart. He loved driving country roads and watching the growth of crops in the area. In the cold months he focused on woodworking and built countless useful items - chairs, tables, shelves, and frames to give to family members - and creatively repurposed scrap wood into lovely objects.  He spent several years designing, building, and painting a fleet of WWII airplanes, which are hung from the ceiling of his basement rec room.

Bill was loved and respected by all who knew him for his gentle, humble nature and willingness to help wherever help was needed. He enjoyed family gatherings and holidays and particularly enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren

Bill was a 50-year member of the American Legion and a member of St. Thomas More parish in Brookings.

Bill is survived by his wife, Barb, children Mary Beth (Byron) Hendrickson of Estelline, SD; Michelle (Michael) Walsh of San Leandro, CA; and Barry (Kathy) Mielke of Brookings, SD, grandchildren Melissa (Travis) Salberg of Sioux Falls, SD; Mitchell (Brooke) Hendrickson of Hartford, SD; Rachael Mielke of Des Moines, IA; Katie (Cole) Hoyer of Estelline, SD; and Eva Walsh of San Leandro, CA, great grandchildren Nolan, Harper, and Reyna Salberg and Alijah Hendrickson, and brothers Gene Mielke of Upton, WY; and Dan (Marlys) Mielke of Brookings, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Edwin, Allan, and Charles Mielke, sisters Gatian Sweeney, Virgina Beck, and Kathleen Charitat, brothers-in-law Sylvester Sweeney, John Beck, and Jean Charitat, and niece Carolyn Mielke.