Leona Hulda Mielke, 93, of Almena died Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Mayo Clinic System. She was born February 3, 1926 in Almena, WI to Christ and Wilhemine (Miller) Wohlk. She was married in Janesville, WI on June 24, 1972 to Elmer Mielke who preceded her in death on March 2, 1979. 

Leona attended elementary school at the Hay River School, before graduating from Turtle Lake High School. She attended University of Wisconsin - River Falls for her bachelor of science in Education before attaining her M.S. in Curriculum and instruction from UW - Madison. Her teaching career spanned forty two years, and included Chetek, Jefferson, Monroe, and Janesville, and during that time she supervised over forty student teachers. She served on the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. After her retirement, Leona taught Sunday School for ten years.

She has belonged to many societies, including the Retired Teachers of Barron County, Delta Kappa Gamma, PSI chapter, Barron County Historical Society, the VFW Auxiliary. She volunteered at the Barron Hospital Gift Store, Yours Mine and Ours Thrift Store and the Almena School. She was always active in her church, serving in leadership positions in the Ladies Aid.

She enjoyed counted cross stitch, making as many as 25 or more Christmas stockings, as well as several banners that hang in St. Matthew Lutheran Church. She was also an active flower gardener and card player.

She is survived by her brother, Gilbert (Donna) Wohlk of Almena; sisters, Elaine Schoenhals of Almena and Nancy (Dean) Laube of Jefferson, OR; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and other relatives. Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer, and brothers, Calvin and Vernon Wohlk.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday May 17, 2019 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI with Pastor Preston Paul officiating. Burial will be in St Matthew Cemetery, Almena, WI. Pallbearers are Clayton Wohlk, Kurt Wohlk, Bethany Bird, Darren Nyhus, Eric Nyhus, Travis Nyhus, Adam Mattson and Niccole Mattson. Visitation will be from 9-11 AM the day of the service.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland/ Turtle Lake is serving the family.

Last Update: May 15, 2019 11:40 am CDT