Robert Stephen “Milk Man” Mielke, 70, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Crossroads Community Hospital, in Mt. Vernon.

            He was born November 4, 1952, in Wisconsin, the son of Robert C. and Arie (Morris) Mielke.  On January 12, 2018, in Mt. Vernon, he married Pat Allen, and she survives in Mt. Vernon.

He grew up in the Chicago area, and was a Veteran of the United States Air Force.  Robert worked for Walgreens Distribution Center for 25 years.  He enjoyed working on cars, gardening, fishing, and helping his neighbors, and was a “Jack-of-all-trades.”  He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

            In addition to his wife, Pat Mielke of Mt. Vernon, he is survived by his daughter, Vickie “Dugan” Otey and husband Ross of Johnsonville; two granddaughters, Audrey Rose Yarnell, and Elizabeth Faith Yarnell; brothers, Ben Mielke and wife Becky of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, and Don Brandt and wife Janet of Mt. Vernon; sisters, Norma Hedstrom and husband Ron of Piedmont, South Carolina, Theresa Boleware and husband Dan of Mt. Vernon, Susan White of North Carolina, Dori Wishard of Matoon, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Scooter Mae.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Harriet Spittler, and Roberta Frye.

            Funeral services for Mr. Mielke will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Osborn Funeral Home in Dix, with Jonathan Schnautz officiating.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service, at the funeral home.  Memorial gifts may be made to Pat Mielke, to assist with funeral expenses, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.