Josephine Lucille Mielke, affectionately known as Mitzi or Mimi, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2016, at the age of 76.
Mitzi was born on March 11, 1939, in Natchez, Miss., to her parents Henry Claude and Lucille Bedelia Maserang.
A devoted wife of 49 years, Mitzi called many places home, including Abilene, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nev., where she met the love of her life, Chief Petty Officer Kenneth Mielke. The Navy sent them to San Diego, Bremerton and as far as the Philippines with their two sons, Richard and Jason Mielke.
They finally settled down, making their home in Oak Harbor.
Her career spanned several decades, working for Clark County School District in Las Vegas and for social organizations such as Help House, Planned Parenthood and the Department of Social and Health Services. Her desire to help the less fortunate could also be seen in her personal life as she gave to many charitable organizations.
Mitzi had the biggest and most selfless of hearts and was the first to come to the aid of those in need. On the rare occasion she indulged in something for herself, she loved taking trips to Leavenworth during the Christmas holidays, cruising to Alaska, or just taking a slow drive along Whidbey Island roads with her “Honey” Ken. But what she loved most was her family, consisting of her beloved husband Ken, sons Richard and Jason, and grandchildren Jacob, Carson and Reagan Mielke.
Mitzi is now reunited with her parents and brothers, Max Maserang, Freddy Bates and Richard Maserang. She is survived by her immediate family, sister Marlene Smith and her husband Curtis of Adkins, Texas and brother Herb Maserang and his wife Jo of Oak Harbor. She will be remembered by many, family and friends alike, whom she cared dearly for.
To honor her memory, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to North Whidbey Help House, 1091 S.E. Hathaway St., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at Wallin Funeral Home with Chaplain David G. Lura presiding. A reception will follow at the funeral home.
Arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To share condolences, please visit Mitzi’s Book of Memories Page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
