Dennis Lee Mielke

Dennis Lee Mielke, 73, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away on December 6, 2025, at Bethany Life in Story City. Dennis was born on December 3, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Walter “Bud” and Margaret Mielke.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, December 11 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Merle Hay Chapel Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310, to share memories and offer support to one another. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 12, at 12:30 p.m. at Capitol City Church, 5990 NE 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50313, followed by burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 4400 Merle Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310, where loved ones may join in a final moment of reflection and remembrance.

Dennis was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply loved grandfather. He married the love of his life, Mari (Schaeffer) Mielke, and together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and loyalty for 47 years.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Mari (Schaeffer) Mielke, his daughters Erica (Joel) Barrett and Kaylee (Chris) Cory, and his four cherished grandchildren, who brought endless joy to his life. Dennis is also survived by his five sisters, Janet (Rick) DeHamer, Sheryl (Bob) Perry, Kathy Mielke, Jill (Joel) Christianson, and Lisa (Jim) Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Margaret Mielke.

Anyone who knew Dennis knew his passion for cars. Whether he was fixing them up, working on hot rods, watching races, or doing upholstery, Dennis was happiest with a project in the garage and a story to tell. Every job he held reflected that passion—he spent his life working on cars or selling them, turning his love for automobiles into a lifelong career.

Dennis will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, and the way he could make people laugh with just a quick comment or grin. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so dearly and in the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dennis' honor to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or WesleyLife Foundation.