Daniel Joseph Mielke

Daniel Joseph Mielke, born December 16, 1946, to Edwin C. Mielke and Kathryn C. (Kelly) Mielke, passed on to heaven's gate on August 5, 2025. A Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a 12:00 pm Prayer Service on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. A Graveside Service will follow at the Elkton City Cemetery at 2:30 pm. The youngest of nine children, Dan grew up in Elkton, SD. He received his early education at St. Mary's grade school, transferring later to the public grade school and then attending Elkton High School, where he loved playing football and spending time with his brother (and best friend) Charlie. After graduation in 1965, Dan joined the US Navy and served in Iceland and Rhode Island before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1969 and moving to Madison, SD to attend Dakota State College. While in Madison, he met Marlys (Yerigan) Mielke, and they were married in 1971. Dan graduated in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and history. Their son Joseph was born that same year. The family moved to Mobridge, SD, where Dan began his career serving the people of SD within the Department of Social Services. He soon became a probation officer in the court system and later transferred to Huron, where their daughter Sara was born in 1976. The family eventually landed in Brookings, where Dan would serve as a probation officer for the next 30 years until his retirement in 2008. After retirement Dan continued his dedication to his community by starting a mentorship program for children at risk. When Dan's young son Joe joined the Boy Scouts of America in the 1980s, Dan happily jumped on board to assist the troop. He loved camping, being outdoors, and sharing his knowledge with the scouts. Later, Dan was involved with training of adult scout leaders, and his volunteer career with the Boy Scouts spanned 27 years. Dan's love for his community also extended to his roots in Elkton. In his retirement, he spent countless happy hours learning about his family history and sharing stories and photos via Facebook. He showed his love for his hometown through service at the city's museum, sharing stories of Elkton's rich history, and organizing monthly gatherings of his Elkton classmates and friends. His greatest joy was his family. Marlys was the love of his life and his partner in experiencing all the ups and downs of 54 years of a truly happy marriage. He was so proud of his son Joe and daughter Sara and their accomplishments. He was excited to share in the joys of his granddaughter Tiadra and her husband Sean, as they recently welcomed Dan's great grandson Barrett into the world. Dan is survived by his wife Marlys of Brookings, his son Joseph of Sturgis, SD, his daughter Sara of Hopkins, MN, his granddaughter Tiadra (Sean) Hartze of Parker, SD, his great grandson Barrett Hartze, and many nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Eddie, Bill, Gatian, Kathleen, Virginia, Allen, Gene, and Charlie. Dan will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and brother, and a true friend. He was a kind and humble man, and we will miss him forever.