Herman Fred Mielke Jr.

Herman F. Mielke, Jr. a widely-respected, long-serving Talbot County public official, most recently Judge of the Orphan’s Court of Talbot County, and longtime member of the Easton business community died Saturday, June 30, 2001. He was 79. A lifelong resident of Talbot County the affable Mielke, affectionately known as “Herm”, served Talbot County government for 24 years. He was sworn in as Judge of the Orphan’s Court of Talbot County in 1986 and served on that bench for eight years until his retirement in 1994. Prior to the Orphan’s Court, Mr. Mielke was elected to the Talbot County Council and served as a Councilman from 1982 until 1986. Among his many accomplishments, he worked tirelessly to help create a new Talbot County Senior Center, and on a major renovation and modernization of the Talbot County Jail, drawing upon his experience as an administrator for several years in the Sheriff’s office. Mr. Mielke’s first entry into politics came in 1970, when, pursuing a love of finance, he successfully ran for the officer of treasurer of Talbot County. Serving until 1975, he was Talbot County’s last elected Treasurer, his term ended shortly after the County adopted a charter form of government. Prior to his long career in public service, he was a successful businessman, and was a 21- year veteran of the business community in Easton. For 16 of those years, he owned The Furniture Mart in Easton, a retail furniture business, on Washington Street in downtown Easton Born on November 6, 1921 he was the son of the late Herman F. Sr. and Mary Martin Mielke. He grew up in the Miles River Neck area and after graduating from high school in 1939; he attended the Glen L. Martin School of Engineering, in Baltimore, where he also worked until he enlisted in the Air Force. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 until 1946 flying in the North African Division. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1946, he was affiliated with the newly formed Chesapeake Airways. In 1950 he entered the furniture business. In 1955 he began his own furniture business, which he operated until 1972. He was active in the Kiwanis and a past secretary of that organization, and was an active member of the E.E. Streets post 5118 V.F.W., the American Legion post 70, and the Easton Elk’s B.P.O. Lodge 1622. He was also a member of the All Faith Chapel in Tunis Mills. Known for his integrity, uncommon good judgment, quick wit, and gentle, self-effacing sense of humor, he was a friend many of Easton’s citizens of all ages and from all walks of life. In his public service and friendships, he was a man of many kindnesses and routinely extended a helping hand wherever it was needed. His sense of community duty was reflected in the numerous public service positions he held. All who knew him will feel the loss of this truly lovable man. Mr. Mielke is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Dorothy Williams, two sons; Allan Mielke, Robert Mielke both of Easton, a daughter Elaine Mielke, of Washington, DC., and seven grandchildren; Christopher Mielke, Jason Mielke, Julie Mielke, Monica Baldwin, Allison Mielke, Gretchen Mielke, and Katelin Mielke. A memorial service will be held on Friday July 6, 2001 at 11:00AM at Christ Episcopal Church, Easton. Private burial will be at Springhill Cemetery, Easton. Memorial donations may be made to the Herman F. Mielke Citizenship Scholarship Fund, c/o Talbot Bank, P.O. box 949 Easton, Md. 21601 Attention: Marilyn Russell