Mike Mielak

July 11, 1930 - Nov. 7, 2007

ALBION -- Mike Richard Mielak, 77, died Wednesday (Nov.7, 2007) at Bryan LGH East in Lincoln.

He was born July 11, 1930, at Columbus, to Michael F. and Lillian (Krzycki) Mielak. He graduated from Columbus Scotus Schools.

He entered the U.S. Army on Feb. 13, 1953, and was honorably discharged on Feb. 12, 1955. Following his service time, he started working for a trucking company traveling all over the country.

On July 10, 1971, he was united in marriage to Virginia E. Salak in Columbus. They lived a short time in Columbus while he worked for Loup Public Power and then Lindsay Manufacturing. He was then transferred to Bakersfield, Calif. In 1984, he began working for Zimm's Irrigation and retired after working for the State of California. In 1992, they returned to Columbus. Following the death of his wife in 1999, he moved to Albion.

He married Velma Kroger Anderson on Feb. 15, 2003, in Albion. They lived in Albion where he joined American Legion Post No. 162. He was also a member of United Church of Christ, the Lake Ericson Association in Ericson, American Legion Post No. 84 of Columbus and the Boone County Zoning and Adjustment Board.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Virginia and his brother, Marion Mielak.

He is survived by his wife, Velma (Anderson) Mielak of Albion; daughter, Claudia Johnson and husband, Don of Albion; four step-children, Melody Strom and husband, Jerry of North Liberty, Iowa; Dale R. Anderson and wife, Ramona of Aurora, Colo.; Teresa Anderson of Milwaukee, Wis., Kirk Anderson and wife, Susan of Davenport, Iowa; two sisters, Louise Wolf and Henrietta Czapla and husband, Ray all of Columbus; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, 9 a.m., at United Church of Christ in Albion with the Rev. Mary Avidano officiating. Burial will be in Columbus City Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by American Legion Post No. 84 of Columbus

Visitation is today until 8 p.m., at Levander Funeral Home in Albion. Condolences may be sent to www.levanderfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are suggested to the Lake Ericson Association.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion is in charge of arrangements