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Patricia Mielke Obituary
Patricia was born on Oct. 15, 1949 in Port Huron to Robert A. and Carolyn E. (Powell) Barker. She earned her master's degree in education from the University of Michigan and worked as a school teacher for 18 years, in Port Huron and Iosco RESA.
In 2002, Patricia stepped away from her loved teaching profession because of cancer. For the next 18 years, despite the limitations of cancer, she continued to do the things she loved with family and friends. She loved her times at a family cottage in Grand Bend and playing games.
She spent many hours doing the things that brought her joy: helping others, sewing, needlework, reading, watching the birds at her feeders, cross country skiing, and hiking. She was an active member of the Tawas United Methodist Church and volunteered countless hours with the United Methodist Women group.
She married her husband and best friend, James Mielke on Sept. 23, 1978 in Port Huron and the couple celebrated 41 beautiful years together!
Patricia is survived by her beloved husband, James Mielke of East Tawas; three sons, Benjamin (Stephanie) Mielke of Auburn Hills, Jonathan Mielke, and James Mielke of Salisbury, N.C.; one brother, Dr. Robert (Colleen) Barker of Traverse City; dear cousins, Cheryl and Laura Frank, and Kathy Schneider; nephew, Scott (Sarah) Barker of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; and many special friends. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Carolyn Barker; and her grandparents, Robert and Matilda Powell.
Her family will welcome friends for visitation at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City on Friday, Dec. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m., at Tawas United Methodist Church in Tawas City with Reverend Kris Kappler officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of her funeral service. Cremation will take place after the funeral and she will be laid to rest at a later date.
Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider either the Iosco County Homeless Shelter (Emmanuel Mission) or a charity of your choice in Patricia's name. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of condolence and support at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Mielke
Sponsored by Buresh Funeral Home - Tawas City.
Lesley Joyce-Kennedy
December 24, 2019
I am so sorry to learn of Pat's passing. I was an 18th Street neighbor of the family for many years. I always was kept up tp date about the family through my mom, Doreen Joyce. Jim, Rob, Colleen and families, please know you will always be in my prayers.
Aleta Day
December 23, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with Pats family and close friends at this time. I went to high school with Pat and taught school with her mother, Carolyn. I have been a friend of the family for many years. Pats close cousins,Cheryl and Laura have kept me informed about Pat throughout her courageous life. In spite of her health issues, she seemed to live life to the fullest with the support of a wonderful family.
Matt Cortese
December 22, 2019
I was so sorry to read of Pat's passing. We knew each other since elementary school. We graduated from PHHS together. Bob and family I am very sorry for your loss. Pat was a sweet, kind tender soul. We all lost a really fine person.
Marilyn Precour Keller
December 21, 2019
My condolences to her family and all of her loved ones
Marian Lill
December 21, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Although we didn't keep in touch over the years, I remember her well from high school. She was a great person. May you find peace knowing that she has found peace.
Janet Hustek
December 20, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Patty's passing. My condolences to everyone close to her.
Susan DeMaggio
December 19, 2019
My condolences to the family.
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Memorial Events
for Patricia Mielke
Dec
20
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Buresh Funeral Home - Tawas City416 Whittemore St., Tawas City, MI 48763
Dec
20
Visitation
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Buresh Funeral Home - Tawas City416 Whittemore St., Tawas City, MI 48763
Funeral services provided by:
Buresh Funeral Home - Tawas City416 Whittemore St., Tawas City, MI 48763
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