William Mielke
William R. “Bill” Mielke , 87, of Green Bay sadly left us on January 27, 2024 following a brief respiratory illness.
Bill was born December 31, 1936, to William S.and Martha (Vollmer) Mielke in Hilbert, WI at the family home. Bill graduated from Winneconne High, received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Masters of Education at Northern Michigan University. Bill spent the majority of his teaching career in the Green Bay Public School District educating 6th graders at Allouez and Langlade Elementary Schools and Edison Middle School while spending 17 summers teaching reading to inmates at the Wisconsin State Reformatory in Green Bay, WI.
Bill professed the importance of education throughout his life. He instilled that importance into his children and his many students. He believed that teaching and encouragement transcended the classroom to parents, relatives and coaches who all are able to play a role in laying the groundwork for a lifelong passion in learning and achievement.
In addition to his teaching career, Bill enjoyed card playing, especially bridge, sheepshead and cribbage. He spent many hours at the card table with relatives and took pride in teaching these games to his grandchildren. He founded a “neighborhood” men’s bridge club that operated nearly four decades. Bill also loved to sing. He was a member of the Original Green Bay Boys Choir. This group of 50 men sang in churches all over northeastern Wisconsin and were known for their patriotic encores. Bill also loved to bowl and follow the PACKERS and UWGB women’s basketball team for which he was a season ticket holder for many years. He was also very involved with AARP, advocating for senior citizens and their rights.
Bill had many rewarding experiences throughout his life, but two stand out and were replayed for years. First, he was on the PACKERS payroll and on the field for the December 31, 1967, during the “Ice Bowl” at Lambeau Field working security. Second, he spent a summer as a mechanic on the NASCAR Championship winning Kiekhaefer Mercury Marine Racing Team.
Bill is survived by his three children: sons William R. Jr.(Ann) and Thomas (Christine) and daughter Melissa (Mike) Sampson; eight grandchildren, Sarah (Eric) LeCloux, Kaitlyn (Sergio) Villalpando, Maxwell Sampson, Elizabeth Mielke, Matthew (Jessica) Sampson, Shelby Mielke, Margaret Sampson and Skylar Mielke; three great-granddaughters, Sofia Villalpando, Emily LeCloux and Luciana Villalpando. He is also survived by brother-in-law Lawrence Eckstein and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents,a sister Darlene Eckstein and niece Heidi Jetty.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., Green Bay, WI 54302. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the the time of the service. An internment ceremony will be held at Allenville Cemetery, 6629 Hilltop RD., Oshkosh WI, 54904 immediately following the service.
Our family will be forever grateful to the doctors, nurses, therapists of St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice Care for the professional and compassionate care given our Father.