Obituary of Clarence Mielke

Clarence Carl Mielke, 85, Osakis, died at home on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. Clarence was born at the family home in Wells County, North Dakota on January 27, 1930 to Carl and Ida (Fuhrman) Mielke. He was baptized December 31, 1930 and confirmed May 17, 1942 into the Lutheran faith. He was raised in Bowdon, North Dakota, graduating from high school in 1947. He played on the basketball team as a guard during his high school years.The family moved to the farm on the northwest side of Lake Osakis on Miller's Bay in 1948. He was drafted into the Army with others from Wells County, North Dakota, and served in Korea from 1953 to 1955. Clarence was a lifetime member of Osakis VFW Post #7902. On November 3, 1956, he married Dorene Holder at First Presbyterian Church in Osakis. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Clarence was a farmer and a sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He was an avid Timberwolves fan, but couldn't wait any longer for a winning season! A talented craftsman, some of his specialties were creating items from antlers and black walnut wood from the home place. He also had a large collection of Indian artifacts found on the farm, often spotted by him from the tractor while working the fields. Clarence so enjoyed his daily coffee and dice with "The Guys" at the front table at AJ's. He often was accompanied by his best buddy, Jake. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Diane, in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Dorene; daughter, Dawn McNeal (Steven Herrmann), and son, Barry, all of Osakis; son-in-law, Michael Fortenberry of Osakis; grandsons, Michael McNeal of Portland, North Dakota, Matthew McNeal of Kindred, North Dakota, Colter and Grayson Fortenberry of Osakis; great-grandsons, Jonathan and Gunar McNeal of West Fargo, North Dakota; sisters, June Kahl of Carrington, North Dakota, Lois Ketelle of Alexandria, Marlys Jensen of Bigfork, Montana; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m. at Osakis Lutheran Church with visitation one hour before the service. Pastor Rich Fitzer officiated and Pat Converse was organist. Pallbearers were his four grandsons and honorary pallbearers were the "regulars" from AJ's. Memorials are preferred to Hospice of Douglas County.