James Mielke

James Arthur Mielke, 89, of Charlevoix, passed away on April 18, 2019.

James was born on February 14, 1930, in Sandusky, Ohio, the son of Arthur Mielke and Esther (Kollman) Mielke.

He served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  He went on to attend The Ohio State University, graduating in 1956 with a marketing degree.

He was a businessman by trade, working in the market research department, at Mead Paper Co. in Dayton, Ohio.  He was then the marketing manager for Brunswick in Kalamazoo, Michigan, overlooking the school equipment division.  For 23 years James started, owned, and operated Michigan Officeways, which began as “The Park Place” in Charlevoix, Michigan.  He then sold the business in 1994, which still exists today.

On June 8, 1957 in Sandusky, OH, James married Elizabeth (Miller) Mielke who survives.  Also surviving are their three sons, Stephen (Sarah) Mielke of Boxborough, MA, Thomas (Martha) Mielke of Charlevoix, MI, and Fred (Christine) Mielke of Charlevoix, MI, along with his sister, Marilyn Shearer of Sandusky, OH.  James is survived by his twelve loving grandchildren, and one beloved great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law Samuel Shearer.

James was a member of the Congregational Church of Charlevoix, the Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix, as well as a former member of the Charlevoix Yacht Club.  He loved the outdoors, especially sailing and racing his sail boat with his family and friends.  Above all, James enjoyed spending his time with family and friends.

Visitation will take place on Friday, April 26, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Charlevoix.

Burial with Military Honors will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, at Norwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix.  P.O. Box 275, Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Arrangements have been handled by the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com