Gerald "Jerry" G. Mielke

Gerald “Jerry” G. Mielke, 84, of N5241 Club DeNeveu Drive, Fond du Lac, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2008, at St. Francis Home with his loving family at his side. He was born on June 26, 1924, in Seymour, Wisconsin, a son of Edwin C. and Ida Pauls Mielke. Jerry was a graduate of Seymour High School, Class of 1942, and attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he studied agriculture. He farmed with his parent’s near Seymour for most of his early life. His first experience with sales began with the Muehl Furniture Company, Seymour. He also assisted at the Muehl Funeral Home. During this time, he met his future wife, Grace Marion Wegner. On August 21, 1946, the couple was married in Fond du Lac. They later moved to Fond du Lac where Jerry joined his father-in-law, Emery H. Wegner, in the family business, Wegner Office Supply Co., Inc. The business at that time, was located at 45 South Main Street and later relocated to 15 -17 Court Street. He and Grace became the owners in 1972 and operated the store together for over 20 years. In 1994, the couple sold their business to their daughter and son-in-law, Gerianne and Doug Pertl. In 1978, Grace and Jerry opened the Kristmas Kringle Shoppe within the Wegner Office Supply location. In 1994, Jerry and Grace relocated the Kristmas Kringle Shoppe to it’s present location at 1330 South Main Street. Drawing from his experiences while traveling in Bavaria, Jerry designed his shoppe to reflect the feel of a German village. He took great pleasure in designing his Italian hand-blown glass ornaments which the couple sold in their shoppe. His fans enjoyed collecting his newest bowtie adorned ornaments. He was instantly recognized by those not knowing him through his trademark bowtie. He was very proud of his family and dearly loved his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jerry was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church where he chaired many committees. He was a life member and past president of the Fond du Lac Noon Kiwanis Club, Fountain Lodge #26 F. & A. M., and Zor Shrine. Music was a lifelong inspiration to Jerry. He shared his gifts and talent by performing and supporting musical events in the community. He loved Fond du Lac and served with many civic groups and organizations. He is survived by his wife, Grace; two daughters: Mary Grace (Michael) Murray, Libertyville, Illinois, Gerianne “Gigi” (Doug) Pertl, Fond du Lac; four grandchildren: Melinda (Christopher) Hubbard, Cincinnati, Ohio, M. Geoffrey Murray, Libertyville, IL, Andrea and Benjamin Pertl, Fond du Lac; three great grandchildren: Aiden, Gavin, and Mearen Hubbard. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Cora I. Mielke. Jerry’s visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2008, at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Salem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan Street, Fond du Lac. His funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at church with the Rev. Jack Stubbs officiating. Entombment will follow in Rienzi Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Salem United Methodist Church, St. Francis Home, or the American Heart Association.

Gerald "Jerry" G. Mielke

June 26, 1924 - December 21, 2008