Ralph Mielke
1934-2013
From Yearbook
From News
At the
55th Reunion
From New Castle News
Ralph E. Mielke, 79, formerly of Randolph Street, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at Rhodes Estates.
Born June 7, 1934, in New Castle, he was a son of Charles and Dora Means Mielke.
After graduation, Ralph joined the Navy and served 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam on a PVR boat. After retiring from the Navy, Ralph lived in Australia for 10 years. Upon returning to the United States, he resided in California until he returned to New Castle in the early 1990s. Ralph always looked forward to his yearly reunion with shipmates from the USS Midway. He had many friends on the Midway, where he was considered the old man since the other guys were younger. These friends still kept in touch after he went to live at Rhodes Estates.
Ralph belonged to VFW 315, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Jagielly Club.
He is survived by four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his niece, Karen Munson; and his cousin, Ruth Cochran.
He will be missed by his good friends, Jim and Shirley White, who cared for him the past few years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Malone; his son, Ralph Mielke II; his sister, Phyllis Munson; and his brother, James E. Mielke.
In honoring Ralph's wishes, no calling hours or services were planned.
Ralph was the 305th classmate to walk down the aisle at graduation. After his name in the Yearbook it reads: "It's not every question that deserves an answer." Home Room Representative 11, Shop Football 11, 12.
