Obituary: Mielke, Frederick R.
Age 75
Fred was born on February 25, 1939 to Robert and Kathryn (Teen) Mielke and was the oldest of three children.
He grew up in northwest Spokane and graduated from North Central High School.
He married his wife, Karlynn, on July 30, 1959 and entered the U.S. Coast Guard.
Fred initially worked for the City of Spokane Maintenance Garage.
Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a Spokane police officer where he served for 26 years.
He rode police motorcycle for 18 years, was a hostage negotiator, taught at the police and state patrol academies, and was one of the initial officers assigned as a community relations officer.
He also oversaw police operations at “Peoples’ Park” during Expo ‘74.
He held numerous side jobs throughout his life, including driving commercial trucks, as well as owning both a pilot car service and excavation business.
He grew up vacationing at Priest Lake, Idaho and made it his primary home after retiring.
Fred had many passions in life including his family, friends, kids, dogs, classic cars, and speed.
Throughout his life, he raced motorcycles, cars, and eventually settled on racing boats where he achieved the top points in his class for the nation.
He also had a great appreciation for classic cars starting when he was a teenager.
He owned many throughout his life and was a member of the Dukes Car Club.
Fred loved kids, and was an especially proud grandfather.
Early in his career, he volunteered with Morning Star Boys Ranch and helped Rev.
Hamp arrange an annual summer camp for disadvantaged youth.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Teen.
Fred is survived by his wife of 54 years Karlynn, sons Bob (Michelle) Mielke, Todd Mielke, Terry (Talana) Mielke, daughter Kristine (Andy) Mroczek, grandchildren Josh Mielke, Shaleesa (Conner) Mize, Ciara Mielke, Nik Mielke, Mikayla Mielke, brother Tom (Carmen) Mielke, and sister Joy (Dennis) McDougall.
There will be a visitation on Tuesday, April 22 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at 1:00pm with graveside service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services (SCRAPS) or Morning Star Boys Ranch.