May 08, 1949 - January 14, 2021
My loving husband and best friend Jerry Mielke passed away on January 14th, 2021, from Spinal Surgery complications. For the past 13 months, Jerry struggled bravely to recover while maintaining his humor and will to live. Jerry’s final months were under constant and the most loving care from his devoted wife Cindy. Up to the hours before his passing, he expressed his undying love for Cindy. Jerry was born May 8th, 1949 in Great Falls, Montana, on Mother’s Day to Cameron and Beatrice Mielke. Jerry spent most of his formative years in Great Falls, graduating from the second graduating class at CMR High School in 1967. Through those years Jerry developed a deep friendship that was lifelong with the Aafedt neighbor family. Jerry and his brother Dennis, along with the Aafedt boys enjoyed and built many memories in Boy Scouts which Jerry was very proud to say he was an Eagle Scout and a Senior Patrol leader of the troop. This group including longtime friend Jack Reynolds, also enjoyed 40 years of bow hunting and camping memories at Lincoln, Mt., while being there for each other, they were “The Bugle Mountain Spooker’s Club.” Jerry was most proud of his yellow 1969 Chevelle 3 96/375 hp which he enjoyed racing and cruising the drag. Jerry married shortly out of high school, resulting in a divorce but with this union brought him his son Kevin. Jerry went to work at Tri-State Equipment shortly out of high school for approximately 20 years, in Great Falls becoming Manager of the Parts Department. During this time Jerry met the love of his life, his wife, Cindy or “Cindy Gall” and “Spookum Dust”, as he would call her. With this union, their son Ryan was born. Jerry was an extremely proud father of Ryan and his career as a Fireman in Texas. Jerry saw a career opportunity in Spokane, relocating him and Cindy there in 1989. Jerry started to work with Spokane Diesel, excelling in outside sales. Jerry became a friend to many of his clients and co-workers. During his working career in Spokane, he also worked for Bryant Motors and Freedom Truck Center. Many of these co-workers and former clients remained friends to Jerry over the years. Jerry and Cindy built a wonderful life together in Spokane. They have the most beautiful yard and home, yet they always had time for play. Jerry loved to golf, particularly with his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, searching for the epic golf course. He and Cindy were fortunate to have many travelling and camping adventures. He particularly enjoyed sampling new cuisine when he travelled, especially the “ultimate taco”. Jerry was especially proud of his cooking/barbequing skills on his Traeger grill. Jerry was a gentle loving soul. His greatest gift was his generosity of spirit. Jerry’s kindness and compassion were impossible not to witness. He encouraged with a positive approach, always remaining kind. Jerry’s survivors are his wife of 39 years, Cindy of Spokane, his son Kevin in Kalispell, Mt., his son Ryan in Texas, his brother Dennis of Laurel, Mt. and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A special thank you goes to his brother Dennis, for his loving care when he visited and assisted Cindy with Jerry’s care. As well, we want to sincerely thank Sharon Hall, Jerry’s Physical Therapist for her friendship to both Cindy and Jerry. Sharon truly displayed relentless devotion to his care. A future Celebration of Life will take place in Spokane at the family home on Jerry’s Birthday in May, as he always loved to celebrate his birthday. For further details, please contact Cindy.
