Obituary: Phyllis Jane Beckmann Mielke

Nov. 10, 1929 – Dec. 15, 2019 

Phyl was born in Milwaukee to Myrtle and Ernest Beckmann. She graduated from Rockford College in 1951 and was a lifetime supporter of organizations helping women to attend college.

She met Erwin (Sam) Mielke when they were both lifeguards at an Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, city beach. They were married in 1953 while Sam was enlisted in the Navy. They raised three sons in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and moved to Door County in 1989. Sam died in 1994. 

Phyl loved and was very active in the year-round Door County community and helped to found the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County in 1996. She had a 14-year special friendship with Joe Carpenter, who passed in 2018.

She is survived by sons Jim (Betsy) of San Jose, California, Dan (Melissa) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Tom of Sister Bay; and grandchildren Kate, Alex, Luke, Sam and Max. 

Phyl enjoyed teaching kindergarten before and after having children to care for. She had many hobbies, especially sewing and home decorating, and enjoyed many outdoor activities: camping, day hiking, sailing and both downhill and cross-country skiing.

She was the best mom a kid could hope for: smart, funny, energetic, a great conversationalist, open minded, outdoorsy, well traveled, spiritual, progressive, understanding and above all, loving. 

Through every phase of our lives, she has been a wonderful presence and will be greatly missed. Please hug your family and keep our family in your hearts and thoughts.