Melvin John Tielke went to be with his beloved Savior on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at the age of 94.

Melvin was born on May 10, 1925 to Willie and Minnie (Miller) Tielke in Needville, Texas. He was baptized and confirmed in Immanuel Evangelical Church in Needville and has remained a member there. He attended school in Modena through the eighth grade and then worked on the family farm. Melvin proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps from 1944-1946 being part of the occupation forces in Japan. Three months after his discharge he married the love of his life, Willie Mae Bockhorn on November 28, 1946. They shared almost 73 years of love and laughter together before her death on October 29, 2019.

Melvin loved being surrounded by his family and friends. He had many roles in his life, but his favorite was that of Pops. He was so proud when he was able to calm and rock his grandchildren and great grandchildren to sleep. They were his pride and joy.

Working in his community and church was as important as his farming and later his work in the carpentry shop at St. Luke's Hospital. Melvin worked with the beginning of the Needville Youth Fair and Live Oak Club and also with the American Legion Post #350. He served on his church consistory, various committees, and Sunday School Leadership.

Melvin loved to read, dance, camp, fish, and garden. He was an avid dominio and card shark, and oh so very lucky. He also took great pride in his cooking, especially his chicken noodle soup and beef stew.

Melvin leaves behind his family: son Kerry and wife Mary of Hunt; daughter Lynn and husband Thomas Sury of Richmond, daughter Cindy and husband Mike Nulisch of Needville; 7 grandchildren: Teresa Bosse, Jason Tielke, Joshua Tielke, Dana Maresh, Gene Sury, Justin Nulisch and Jayme Emmons and their spouses, and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters: Viola Fuchs, Caroline Macik, and Marje Janacek and many nieces and nephews.

We know that when he passed through those heavenly gates, he and Willie Mae were waltzing together again holding their great granddaughter Haverly Nulisch, surrounded by his parents, brothers Leroy and Raymond, sisters Ora Lee Lamensky and Lonie Tielke, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A special thanks to his loving caregivers Kendra Schesser, SPJST Skilled Nursing, and Houston Hospice of El Campo for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at Immanuel Evangelical Church, 9018 Church Street, Needville, TX 77461. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM Wednesday at Immanuel Evangelical Church, with burial following at Immanuel Evangelical Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Evangelical Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 505, Needville, Texas 77461 or to a charity of choice.

Condolence messages may be written for the Tielke family at www.garmanycarden.com.

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street/Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.