Kathleen Mary Mielke

Kathleen M. Mielke, 74, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, February 2, 2025. She was born on April 19, 1950 to Douglas and Bette (Keapock) Crane. In 1968, she graduated from Menasha High School. She married Charles Mielke in 1976 and they remained together until his death in 2008.

Kathy worked most of her adult life at R.R. Donnelley while raising her two children. More than anything, she was a generous and adoring mother. Kathy enjoyed traveling with her family, spending time with loved ones, and caring for her dogs. Kathy was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Menasha where she sang in the choir for many years and volunteered frequently.

Kathy will be missed by her children, Nicholas Mielke and Stephanie (Curtis Kuester) Mielke; brothers Patrick (Kathleen) Crane, Kenneth Crane and Scott Crane; and her many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, her parents, Doug and Bette Crane and brothers-in-law Lloyd Mielke and Ronald (Lenore) Mielke.

The funeral service for Kathy will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Wichmann Laemmrich Funeral Home, 312 Milwaukee St. in Menasha with Deacon Don Schultz officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place at St. Mary Menasha Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathy's memory to a local animal shelter. The family would like to extend profound thanks to Living Tree Estates and Moments Hospice for their wonderful and loving care of Kathy during the last several years of her life.