Gerald Paul Mielke

Gerald Paul Mielke

May 27, 2026

Gerald (Jerry) Paul Mielke, 87, of Hudson, WI passed away on May 27, 2026.

Jerry was born in Harvey, IL on September 20, 1938 to Paul and Dorothy (Hopp) Mielke. While he was still a young boy, his family moved to Merrill, WI, where he grew up on a farm and graduated from Merrill High School in 1956.

His love of science drew him to seek a degree in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. While studying there in his junior year, he met Nancy Solum who was a freshman just beginning her course of study in education. They dated for 1 year, were engaged for 3, and were married on June 29, 1963.

Jerry utilized his chemistry degree first in the paper industry. He worked in the Neenah/Menasha, WI area prior to his marriage and then moved north to Rhinelander, WI. He eventually found his home in Hudson, and worked for H.B. Fuller Company based out of the Twin Cities, where he spent 32 years as a chemist and technical manager, specializing in hot melt adhesives for bookbinding. He loved his work and would talk extensively about it to anyone who would listen.

He traveled frequently for both work and pleasure, including to Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Egypt, and several destinations in Europe. He loved to talk to new people and explore the local cuisine on his travels, often trying things that would make most people squeamish.

In addition to food and travel, Jerry had many hobbies including singing in a barbershop quartet, gardening, hunting, cooking, and macrame. He also enjoyed helping others. He was a volunteer EMT on the Hudson Ambulance Service for many years and was a regular blood donor. He would wear his latest pin with pride showing the total number of gallons he had donated.

He was very active in his church and served in many capacities, including as a missionary for two and a half years alongside his wife.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy, his daughter Charissa (Ken) Hanke, grandchildren Ivan (Debra), Cassandra (Hyrum), and 5 great-grandchildren, as well as his sister Marlene Mielke. He was preceded in death by his sister Kathrine and his parents.

Visitation will be held Saturday June 6th from 10:30am–11:00am, with the memorial service beginning at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 545 Stageline Road in Hudson, followed by a luncheon and a graveside service at Willow River Cemetery.