Chris passed away Monday evening, Oct. 12, 2020, as the result of a motorcycle accident. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Chris Richard Mielke was born July 26, 1967, in Mason City, Iowa, to Duane and Janyce (Manecke) Mielke. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Northwood, Iowa and was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood. He attended Northwood-Kensett High School with a dedicated participation in FFA and graduated a member of the class of 1986. He then attended NIACC and Albert Lea Technical Institute, graduating with a degree in diesel mechanics in June of 1989. Patti Stromberg, also attending ALTI and at this time became a permanent part of Chris’ life. On Sept. 23, 1989, Chris was united in marriage to Patti Stromberg at the East Chain Lutheran Church. After their marriage, Chris and Patti made their home in Northwood, Iowa. They were blessed with 3 miracle babies, Morgan, Rachael and Derek. A brief interruption in their relationship occurred but Chris found the love of his life again in Patti and they remarried on March 10, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nev. They then made their home in Fairmont, Minn., and eventually moved to the Luhmann family acreage in East Chain, Minn. in September of 2013. Chris worked as a John Deere service technician for 23 years in Northwood, Iowa and Truman, Minn., and most recently he was working as a highway service technician for the Martin County Highway Department. You would also find him working in his own shop or out assisting friends and family in their farming operations.

Chris was a member of the Northwood Men’s Club, and an East Chain 4-H Club leader. He was living a father’s dream through Rachael and Derek in the 4-H program and also assisting other youth with their livestock projects throughout the years. Chris was a member of the East Chain Lutheran Church and served multiple terms on the church council. He enjoyed grilling, reading Louis L’amour books and always looked forward to Sunday Fundays on his motorcycle with Patti and friends. Chris enjoyed farming and working on farm equipment. He always loved holding a wrench, tractor or semi steering wheel, or the handlebars of his motorcycle in his hands. Chris was so proud of Rachael and Derek and loved to attend as many of their school activities as he could and especially loved assisting them in livestock shows. Family time was very important to him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Patti Mielke of East Chain; daughter, Rachael Mielke of Pipestone, Minn.; son, Derek (girlfriend, Courtney Blocker) Mielke of Bancroft, Iowa; four legged child, Tucker; mother, Janyce Mielke of Northwood, Iowa; parents-in-law, Norwood and Janice Stromberg of Fairmont, Minn.; sister, Jessica Bergsma of Dunwoody, Ga.; grandmother, Winnefred Luhmann of Fairmont; sister-in-law, Deb Cole of Ringsted, Iowa; brother-in law, Bob (Lisa) Stromberg of East Chain; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Morgan Mielke; father, Duane Mielke; grandparents, Russell and Opal Mielke, Ray and Doris Manecke, Ruby Manecke and Clarence Luhmann. The family suggest that memorials be directed to the Martin County Fair, PO Box 270, Fairmont, MN 56031 and the East Chain Lutheran Church, 411 280th Ave., Blue Earth, MN 56013.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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