Ronald L. Mielke, 84, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, Minnesota.

Ronald was born on July 7, 1935, to Ernest and Irene Mielke in Dexter, Minnesota. Ronald attended Austin High School, graduating in 1953. After high school, Ronald attended some college classes and in 1958 enlisted in the Air Force Reserve serving until 1962.

Upon completing his military service, Ronald started worked for Hormel R&D Research in 1954 and after a 40-year career, he retired in 1994. While working at Hormel, Ronald married his love, Susan Braithwaite on March 20, 1976, in Northwood, Iowa. The couple then later resided in Lansing, Minnesota.

Ronald was an avid member of the Eagles Club, and was passionate about model airplanes and guns. He was a very skilled gunsmith and enjoyed motorcycling, taking many trips to Sturgis, bowling, going on walks, and doing crossword puzzles. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ronald is survived by a loving family, including his wife of 43 years, Susan; two daughters, Rochelle of Chicago, Illinois and Rhonda of Janesville, Minnesota; son, Robert of Colorado Springs, Colorado; five grandchildren, Chelsea, Alicia, Melissa, Kellen, Jagger; brother and sister-in-law, Nancy (Roger) Oelkers, Paul (Kathy) Braithwaite; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Ernest & Irene Mielke, and his sister Gayle Nehman.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service on Friday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Military honors by American Legion Post 91 and V.F.W. Post 1216. Services are prearranged and performed with Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.