Robert J. Mielke ’60, former chairman of Union’s UCALL Steering Committee, treasurer of the Union College Club of Schenectady and member of the Union Alumni Council and Terrace Council, died Monday. He was 69.
Mielke, of Schenectady, earned a B.A. from Union and received his master’s degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a master’s degree in library science from the University at Albany.
He worked as a high school librarian in the Fort Plain Central School District for 27 years before retiring in 2000. In the late 1980s, Mielke helped lead the formation of the Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning, or UCALL. The academy hosts College professors or others during a series of weekly classes for area adults.
“Bob was a wonderful person who was a dedicated and loyal son of Union,” said Dominick F. Famulare ’92, director of Alumni Relations. “He adored the College and friendships that came with it. He was thrilled and proud to win the Special Appreciation Award during Homecoming in 2005. He will be missed.”
Mielke, who will be remembered for his friendly, kind and gentle nature, was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Schenectady. Following his retirement, he served as the church’s archivist and librarian.
Over the years, he also did extensive gardening; attended concerts, musicals and the opera; and especially enjoyed fishing and spending restful time at his camp in the Adirondacks.
He is survived by his fiancee, Evelyn Thode, several cousins and many friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 2, 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Nott Terrace, Schenectady, followed by interment in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schenectady. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, June 1, 6-8 p.m. at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St., Schenectady.