Norma Jean Mielke, "Jean" to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026.  She was born January 4, 1928, in Akron, Ohio. She was a lifelong resident of Medina County and graduated from Granger High School. Shortly after high school, while skating at Medina Skateland, she spied a handsome young man and "accidentally" fell in front of him to catch his attention. His name was Marvin Mielke and that was the beginning of a love that lasted a lifetime. They were married on October 24, 1947 and took up residence in Valley City, where they were very active in their community. She was a devoted mother and grandmother! Times spent with her family were so special and most important to her!

Jean was a very talented woman. She had a knack for turning hobbies into businesses. She and her husband loved antiques and antique cars. They became collectors and soon opened an antique store in Valley City. They drove their Model T in the Valley City parades. She loved horses especially American Saddlebreds & Tennessee Walking horses. With the support of her loving husband, she established Mielke Way Farms in Valley City. For many years she raised, trained, and showed American Saddlebreds with her daughter Toni and sometimes her sons as well. Jean was a very active member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Ohio taking on the job of president more than once and supporting all things relating to horses. She shared that love of horses with so many people from her riding students to disabled children to many of her grandchildren as well. It was a lifetime gift that she loved!

In her spare time, and being the creative person she was, she became interested in ceramic art. She started giving lessons in her basement, pouring molded pieces, and again the business blossomed and soon a new shop was opened in the upstairs rooms of her husband's plumbing/HVAC business. Her talent for creating beautiful pieces and again teaching others the craft, sharing with grade school children, family members and of course grandchildren-she enriched the lives of many through her art. She used her artistic talents to create wedding flowers for friends and family, centerpieces, trophies and auction items for horse banquets and much, much more. She was an amazing woman who continued to ride her horses and take her flashy red corvette out for a spin throughout her 70's.

The family would like to thank Jeanette Cottrell for her 9 years of devoted service to Jean. She was more than a caregiver, she was a companion and a special friend.

Jean is survived by her children Toni Sadzewicz, Terry Mielke (Mary Anne), Martin Mielke (Kelli) & William Mielke (Daphne). Grandchildren Beth Gebura, Cindi Moore (Scott), Johnna Kemp (Chris), John Noble (Mandy), David Mielke (Suzanne), Jennifer Mielke (Mahyad), Emily Mielke, Michael Mielke and Amanda Mielke. 11 great-grandchildren and 4 great, great-grandchildren. They all lit up her life with love!!

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Estelle Hoffman, her beloved husband Marvin, her son-in-law Joseph Sadzewicz, her brother William Hoffman, and her father's second wife, Ruth Hoffman.

The family will gather at a later date to celebrate Jean's life on her beloved family farm.

Jean loved animals and had many, many pets over the course of her life whom she loved dearly. She was especially fond of her Afghan Hounds. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to her favorite charity, ASPCA, www.aspca.org.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.