Donald G. Mielke
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Donald G. Mielke, 85, died peacefully at NCH on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Don was born July 1, 1936, in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Don graduated from Garfield Heights High School and received his Bachelor's Degree from Bowling Green University in Ohio. He taught elementary school in Garfield Heights until 1965 when he moved to Naples, Florida. He earned his Master's Degree from Nova University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Don taught science and physical education for 30 years with the Collier County Public Schools before retiring in 1995. Don served with the U.S. Army and the Ohio National Guard. He volunteered at the Veteran's Hospital in Tampa as a driver. He was very active with the American Legion Post 135 in Naples, 40 & 8, Amvets, the local Amateur Radio club and other organizations in Naples. He attended the Lely Presbyterian Church on St. Andrews Blvd. in Naples. Don leaves behind his wife Helen and his bonus daughter, Cynthia Kelley. He is also survived by his brother Howard (Kathy) Mielke and his nephews Robert (Kathy) Ongert and Paul (Janet) Ongert, and other nieces and nephews in Ohio.
Don will be remembered by his family, many friends and former students in Naples. Memorial gifts in Don's memory may be made to Lely Presbyterian Church, 110 St. Andrews Blvd., Naples, FL 34113, or lelychurch.com
Cremation was entrusted to The Beachwood Cremation Society, 4444 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples (239)261-1767.