Wesley Daniel Mielke

Longtime Big Lake resident Wesley Daniel Mielke, 92, left this earthly life for his eternal home in Heaven July 4, 2015.

Wesley was born in Paynesville, Minnesota, April 21, 1923, to Arthur and Alvina Mielke, the youngest of four children. He attended Paynesville schools and North Central Bible Institute.

Wesley served in the U.S. Army in World War II, was wounded in Italy, and awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

On Aug. 21, 1948, in Sebeka, Minnesota, he and Jeanne Marie (Johnson) were wed and made a loving marriage of 66 years. He served in evangelistic ministries and pastored churches in Oklahoma and Los Angeles. They moved to Alaska where he established Big Lake Community Chapel in 1956, serving there until retirement in the 1980s.

Wesley loved his family, grandchildren, community and country. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, camping, traveling, reading, and gardening. His family fondly remembers him for his love and reverence for the Lord and his word, teaching them the value of scripture memorization, his good sense of humor, love of nature, hard work, and respect for others.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters, Lillian and Verbena; and brother, David.

Surviving are his wife, Jeanne; daughters, Paula (Michael) Whelan, Kristen (Steven) Tervooren, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Baehr; son, Daniel (Laurie) Mielke; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

Viewing and celebration with family and friends is at 10:30 a.m., July 14 Legacy Funeral Home, 1015 S. Check Street, Wasilla. Burial follows at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Potluck dinner reception follows at Faith Bible Church, Mile 0.5, Hollywood Road, Big Lake.

Memorial gifts may be made to Multiplication Network Ministries, 22515 Torrance Ave, Sauk Village, Illinois 60411.