Barbara "Barb" E. Mielke, age 73 of Columbus, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2016 at Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.

Visitation for Barb will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Rev. David Byers-Dent will officiate. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Cornerstone. Burial will take place at Elba Cemetery, town of Elba, Dodge County.

Barb was born on August 15, 1942 in Columbus, the daughter of the late Bernard and Elaine (Stark) Baerwald. On December 28, 1963, she was united in marriage to Russell Mielke at Columbus United Methodist Church. She graduated from Oshkosh State Teacher's College and went on to teach in Reeseville, Otsego and Rio; she also worked as a substitute teacher for various school districts in the area.

Barb was a member of Columbus United Methodist Church. In her earlier years, she loved going to dances and was a member of a local snowmobile club. She was very patriotic and an animal lover. She enjoyed playing cards, traveling several times to Branson, MO and decorating her home, especially for her favorite holiday, Christmas.

Barb is survived by her husband, Russell of Columbus; her sons, Derrick (Becki) of Columbus and Dean (Denise) of Beaver Dam; three grandchildren, Hunter, Meghan and Jocelyn; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and other relatives.

Memorials in Barb's name may be directed to Rainbow Hospice Care, 1225 Remmel Dr., Johnson Creek, WI 53094.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.



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