Evelyn J. (Evie) Mielke

Evelyn (Evie) moved to Alaska in 1935 at the age of 5 with her parents, Kenneth and Marian Foster and her sister Peggy, one of the original Matanuska Valley Colonist families. She spent the first summer in Tent Camp #9 on the Springer Homestead and moved into their house in 1936 when it was completed. The youngest sister, Delores, was born a few years later. All the families were issued farm animals and she learned how to ride horses and herd cows while she was growing up.

In 1948 Evelyn graduated as valedictorian from Palmer High School and was married that summer to Robert Mielke. They built a house in North Palmer and lived there until 1953 when they purchased their property on the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy from Bob’s parents. By that time, they had four children (Marie, Teresa, Robert, and Gwen) and Bob had started the Mielke Way trucking business.

While Bob was running the trucking business, garbage service and later potato farming, Evie took care of everything on the farm including an extensive garden and 4 children. When the children got older. Evelyn went to work at the USDA Soil Conservation Service as secretary to the State Conservationist. The office moved to Anchorage and rather than commute she negotiated a franchise with H&R Block tax office in Palmer. After about 5 years she started her own tax preparation business, Mielke’s Tax Service. She retired after 17 years passing on the business to her son Bob. The office was closed in 2023 after providing 50 years of tax preparation service to the Matanuska Valley.

After retiring, Bob and Evie became Alaskan snowbirds spending many of the winter months with friends in Arizona and Texas. They always made this a road trip traveling the Alaska Highway through Canada. Evie became a fan of Mexican dominos and was the organizer of games wherever she happened to be.

Evelyn was a member of Women’s Igloo #11 of the Pioneers of Alaska. Over the years she held most every office and was secretary for many years. The highlight of the year was attending the Pioneer’s Convention held in communities all over the State. Evelyn was also a supporter of the Palmer Historical Society. She volunteered many summers as a docent for the Colony House Museum in Palmer.

Evelyn was a seamstress, quilter, knitter, and crocheter extraordinaire. Most recently she knitted and crocheted lap blankets to donate to seniors. She received many ribbons for the quilts she exhibited at the Palmer Fair. Evelyn’s special project was to gift a grandchild and great grandchild with a quilt when they graduated from high school.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Robert C. Mielke and her daughter Teresa E. Mielke. Evelyn is survived by her children Marie Dryden, Robert (Teri) Mielke, Gwen (Jon) Erwin, grandchildren Julia (Laren) Crawford, Michael (David You) Dryden, Jackson Schleppegrell, Joy (Walter) Warner, Warren Mielke, Ryan (Josy) Combs, Aaron (Kristina) Combs, Ian Erwin, Danielle (Axel) Runtschke, 10 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in the late spring. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Women’s Igloo #11 of the Pioneers of Alaska, Norma Christensen, 2090 Nadina St., Palmer, Alaska 99645, or a charity of their choice.