Paul Edwin "PJ" Mielke, Jr.

A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away, Paul “PJ” Mielke was born. It was evident from a young age the force was strong with this one. During his youth, as a young padawan in Galesburg, Michigan, he excelled at sports and academics. He then attended and graduated from Wentworth Military Academy and served in the Army and National Guard. PJ excelled during his time of service, gaining ribbons and awards for his expertise with rifles and machine guns. 

After the military, PJ attained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and went into loss prevention with several companies. He did this for many years before turning his sights in a different direction. PJ attended and graduated from KVCC Wind Turbine Technician Academy with a certificate in wind energy and was immediately hired by Vestas as a wind turbine technician. He spent 13 years with Vestas, traveling the country building and maintaining turbines. PJ took great pride in his work!

In all things he turned his hand to, he excelled. PJ loved history and politics and was a voracious reader. He could talk about anything…and he did…a lot! He and his dad shared a passion for firearms and obtained their CPLs together. One of his favorite moments was when he carried the torch in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. 

By far, PJ loved nothing more fiercely than his children, Kenzie and Lukas. A son and daughter equally as strong in the force, they were his legacy. PJ spared nothing to make sure they knew how strongly he loved them. Although PJ had many hobbies and past times, spending time with Lukas and Kenzie was most important to him. They loved staying up late together watching movies, going to the theater, playing video games, and…well the list goes on. 

PJ made friends easily and many became lifelong friends. From Galesburg, to Wentworth, to Vestas, PJ was well loved. It seems everyone has a story or a memory of how PJ touched their lives. He shared much with his friends…they could tell you countless stories. Most important, though, was sharing his faith with them and the peace he made with himself and God along his journey. He was baptized in the presence of his military buddies, sharing that he was at peace and “he knew where he was going.” 

Paul “PJ” Mielke passed away July 23, 2024, at home, surrounded by family, friends, and the love of many that distantly shared in his journey home through their many prayers, texts, and phone calls.

PJ was preceded in death by his father, Paul Mielke, Sr. Surviving are his children, Kenzie Maki-Mielke and Lukas Mielke; his mother, Sue (Chris) Clark; sisters, Sandi (Andy) Toole and Shelly Mielke; brother, Stuart (Harper) Clark; stepmom, Renee (Paul) Mielke; nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends. 

"Hope is like the sun. If you only believe in it when you see it, you'll never make it through the night." – Princess Leia

For PJ, his belief and hope took him through the dark night of the soul and into the bright light of the force. May the force be with you, PJ, as we know it is. Please know you took a little bit of each of us with you…and you will forever remain a part of each of us…Love you…see you on the other side.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11:00 am with a memorial service beginning at noon at Langland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 411 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002. Friends and family are welcome to gather after the service at The Venue at 68, 68 E Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053.

Memorial donations may be made in PJ’s honor to the PJ Mielke Wind Turbine Scholarship Fund. When donating online, indicate your donation is for the Mielke scholarship. Those wishing to donate by mail can send donations to: PJ Mielke Wind Turbine Scholarship Fund, c/o KVCC Foundation, PO Box 4070, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070. Make checks payable to: KVCC Foundation.