Jerry Mielitz

Jerry Mielitz, 80, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, at his residence in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Central Church in Milbank. Rev. Thom Bowsher will officiate. Visitation will be at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank on Tuesday, January 16, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and will close with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be at the Milbank City Cemetery.

Jerry Gene Mielitz was born on December 9, 1943, in Ortonville, MN, to Clarence and Norma (Seefeldt) Mielitz. He was baptized and confirmed at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Big Stone City, SD. He attended Alban #5 country school for eight years and later graduated from Milbank High School in 1961. After his education, he enlisted in the United State Air Force and service for four years before being honorably discharged in 1966.

He was united in marriage with Cheri Ammann on September 12, 1970, at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Big Stone City, SD. The couple were blessed with three children: Kristy, Kory, and Kelli. Jerry farmed until his health forced him to make a career change. Jerry was a crop adjuster for 25 years, driving more than one million miles and working in 17 different states. The family moved into Milbank in 2011, and Jerry retired in 2013.

Jerry was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion Milbank Post #19. He was a member at Central United Methodist Church in Milbank where he served various positions on the church boards, was a Sunday School teacher, and enjoyed being in church choir. Jerry loved hunting, fishing, reading, picture puzzles, and watching YouTube. He enjoyed having a cup of coffee with the gang at the Millstone. Above all, Jerry loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Jerry will be forever loved and missed by his wife, Cheri Mielitz of Milbank, SD; three children: Kristy (Jason) Liebe of Milbank, SD; Kory (Kristie) Mielitz of Portland, ME; Kelli (Matt) Korstjens of Milbank, SD; one sister, Lindy Lu (Dave) Hammer of Milbank, SD; 10 grandchildren: Alex (Daria) Liebe, Madison Liebe, Max Liebe, Carter Liebe, Hyatt Harger, Hylten Harger, Gracie Korstjens, Isaiah Korstjens, Paige Korstjens, Lexi Korstjens; two great-grandchildren: Olivia Liebe and Emily Liebe; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence and Norma Mielitz; mother-in-law and father-in-law: Ann and Myron Ammann; and brother-in-law, Dennis Ammann.

“Though there was a lot of pain in my life, God gave me very much to be grateful for. See you on the other side”.