Darrell Mielke

Darrell Mielke, age 59, passed away at home and moved into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. In June 2023 Darrell came home and wasn't himself and said he had a hard day at work and was forgetting things he had been doing for 30 years. We rushed him to the emergency room and there began a five month battle upon given a diagnosis of brain cancer.
Darrell leaves behind his wife, Deanna; his children, Kyle, Hope and Jacob; his parents, Darrell and Judy, his siblings, Kim and David, Brett and wife, Madelyn, Curt and wife, Teresa, Russ and wife, Lucy; his numerous aunts; uncles; cousins and nieces and nephews in Michigan; and all his wife's family and friends here in New Mexico. 
Darrell was not a complicated man. He loved God, he loved his country, he loved his family, and he loved his truck. He was hardworking and loyal to his career at ABF for almost 30 years. He loved coffee. Coffee was not a drink to him but an event. Every morning he would wake up early to make his cup of coffee and read his bible. Then he would hold his cup of coffee and wake everyone else up so we could sit and have a cup of coffee with him. His favorite color was blue, his favorite ice cream was vanilla, his favorite type of music was Christmas music and he loved to play it all year long. His favorite movie was "it's a wonderful life". Like George in the movie, he always thought he was missing something in his life, but truly he was a rich man. I'm so thankful to all of you for coming.
Darrell loved Jesus and became a Christian at 16 and attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. After graduation he got his first job as a youth pastor here in Albuquerque. Most recently Darrell served in the prayer ministry at Legacy Church. We were able to capture his last sermon on video. 
Darrell loved his home state of Michigan. He was a Michigan man through and through. He watched all his Michigan teams faithfully and really enjoyed watching the Lions win in Monday night football just recently. He slept in his Lions shirt that night and I had to make him take off the hat. He woke up with a huge smile and couldn't stop talking about his Lions all the next day. We took that photo too.
Darrell loved to deer hunt and used his vacation time every year to attend the annual deer hunting season with his brothers, uncles and cousins in Michigan, or with friends here in New Mexico. He has a treasure chest full of memories from time spent walking in the Michigan woods and sitting around the campfire laughing. Although we know he is at home with Jesus now, we are taking him to Michigan next week to be with his Michigan family and to his final resting place. 
At the end, Darrell accepted his diagnosis and God's decision very graciously and was very kind and thankful to all who visited him, prayed for him and all who provided for his family. He was truly humbled by everyone's generosity. His passing has brought us closer as a family and opened our eyes to how wise and precious it is to live one day at a time. We miss him every day.
I am thankful to all of you, our family and friends, and Legacy Church for the outpouring of love and support. It was truly amazing! I also want to thank Bosque Trails Hospice for their tender care of Darrell. I would not have made it without everyone's help. 
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4 that Christians are not to grieve without hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again then we will be reunited and live together with the Lord forever. If there is one thing Darrell would want you to know, it would be that God Loves you and paid the price for you. He will find the best spot in heaven, with the best view and would love to sit and have a cup of coffee with you. 
Honey, well done good and faithful servant. 
Memorial contributions may be made in Darrell's name to Legacy Church, Make a Wish ministry.