Luke Anthony Mielke

Luke Anthony Mielke, 24, of Hephzibah, GA, passed away Friday, April 20, 2018.

Born July 2, 1993, in Long Branch, NJ, he was son of Carl Anthony Mielke and Peggy Jane Manville Mielke of Leland, NC.

In addition to his parents, he will be deeply missed by his sister, Elizabeth Doros and her husband Jonathan and niece Evelyn and nephew Jameson of Southlake, TX; his brother, Lance Mielke and his wife Crystal of Long Beach, CA; his sister, Melissa Mitchell and her husband Adam and nephew Mann and niece Marilyn of Meridian, MS; all his aunts, uncles, cousins and many other friends and relatives.

Luke spent his childhood in Colts Neck, NJ, and Raleigh, NC. He graduated from Wakefield High School in Raleigh and studied at Eastern Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. He enlisted in the United States Navy and at the time of his passing was a Petty Officer Third Class Cryptologic Technician (CTR3) stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA.

Luke was an intelligent and handsome young man. The youngest of four children, he loved spending time with his family and spoke on the phone with his mom every day. He grew up playing basketball and was passionate about fitness and exercise. Luke was a huge sports enthusiast, both on the collegiate and professional levels, and had an unwavering allegiance to the L.A. Lakers. Among the greatest joys in his brief life were his dogs, Murphy and Malcolm, his nieces and nephew and spending time in Emerald Isle, where he logged innumerable hours riding waves and playing bocce ball on the beach. Luke’s proudest accomplishment was serving as a member of the U.S. Navy. Among his closest friends, he was known for his loyalty and sense of humor, described as the “brightest light shining in the room” and “absolutely a one-of-a-kind person, continuously keeping people laughing and smiling.”

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Andrews Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Monday, April 30, 2018, at Basilica Shrine of St. Mary, 412 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Interment with full military honors will follow the service at Oakdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in Luke’s memory, to the Folds of Honor Foundation, 8551 North 125th E. Ave, Suite 100, Owasso, OK 74055 (www.foldsofhonor.com).

Luke, we will forever cherish our memories with you and hold you in our hearts.