Gerald (Jerry) Paul Mielke, 87, of Hudson, WI passed away on May 27, 2026.
Jerry was born in Harvey, IL on September 20, 1938 to Paul and Dorothy (Hopp) Mielke. While he was still a young boy, his family moved to Merrill, WI, where he grew up on a farm in the Town of Sheley, and graduated from Merrill High School in 1956.
His love of science drew him to seek a degree in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. While studying there in his junior year, he met Nancy Solum, a freshman majoring in education. They were married on June 29, 1963.
Jerry utilized his chemistry degree first in the paper industry. He worked in the Neenah/Menasha, WI area prior to his marriage and then moved north to Rhinelander, WI. He eventually found his home in Hudson working 32 years for H.B. Fuller Company based out of the Twin Cities. He was a chemist and technical manager, specializing in hot melt adhesives for bookbinding. He loved his work and would talk extensively about it to anyone who would listen.
He traveled frequently for both work and pleasure, including to Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Egypt, and several destinations in Europe. He loved to talk to new people and explore the local cuisine on his travels often trying things that would make most people squeamish.
Jerry had many hobbies including singing in a barbershop quartet, gardening, hunting, cooking, and macrame. He also enjoyed helping others. He was a volunteer EMT on the Hudson Ambulance Service for many years and was a regular blood donor. He would wear his latest pin with pride showing the total number of gallons he had donated.
He was very active in his church and served in many capacities, including as a missionary for two and a half years alongside his wife.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy, his daughter Charissa (Ken) Hanke, grandchildren Ivan (Debra), Cassandra (Hyrum), and 5 great-grandchildren, as well as his sister Marlene Mielke. He was preceded in death by his sister Katherine Lau and his parents.
Funeral service was on June 6 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hudson, followed by a graveside service at Willow River Cemetery.
