Don R. Miehls

Don R. Miehls, 94, of Carlsbad, NM passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Don R. Miehls was born in Fort Jennings, Ohio February 9^th 1929 to Matilda and Arnold Miehls. Don was the youngest of nine children. He grew up in Delphos, OH. Don attended Saint John’s Catholic school where he sang in glee club and choir.

Don was a World War II Navy veteran. He served in the South Pacific.

After returning home, he entered Giffin College in Van Wert, OH. graduating in 1950. While attending college he also worked for DS Albert Construction, a bridge and highway contractor.

Don started working for Montgomery Ward in Lima, OH as a manager. During this time he met the future Mrs. Miehls, Christel Sorge. She had just immigrated to the United States, from Germany. They fell in love and married in 1952.

Don and Christel had two sons, Brent Miehls who currently in Los Angeles, CA and Dennis Miehls who resides in Alto, NM. In the early years, the young family moved quite frequently. They eventually ended up in San Diego, CA. and another career change for Don Miehls.

It was at this time he started working for the International Retail Clerks Union as a traveling Representative. In 1961 the family moved to Albuquerque, NM. A year later Don and Christel decided to set roots in Carlsbad, NM. Don always liked the small town feel and friendliness of Carlsbad.

In 1964 Don ran for City Councilman on the Henry Hudson ticket and won. He wanted to get involved in the future of Carlsbad. While serving on the city council he advocated for a four lane highway from Carlsbad to the Texas border. In addition, he proposed a truck bypass around the city limits of Carlsbad.

In 1967 he opened the Fountain Cocktail Lounge and Steakhouse at 5000 W. Church St. in Happy Valley. This was a dream come true since his early Navy days when he visited the famous Earl Carroll’s restaurant in Hollywood, CA. At the time he promised himself that someday he would have something similar.

The Fountain was known for its excellent food and entertainment. Over the years it served many people, including Hollywood celebrities and important government officials. Many who dined at the Fountain were entertained and delighted by Don’s singing of classic standards and also the current music of the times. The Fountain operated until 1986.

While running the Fountain, Don also concurrently developed “C” hill, now known as Fountain Hills. He always had a passion for building. Along with his many other accomplishments he acquired a General Contractor’s license and built many of the first custom homes in Fountain Hills. He was one of several individuals that helped to establish The Living Desert State Park. He was also responsible for the development of the Lookout and Ocotillo Trail.

Don is survived by his wife, Christel Miehls of Carlsbad, NM; son Brent (Helen) Miehls of Los Angeles, CA; son Dennis (Janet) Miehls of Alto, NM; grandson Stephen (Rochelle) Miehls and great-grandchildren Emmaleigh and Aiden Miehls of Los Alamos, NM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lakeview Hospice, Lakeview Christian Home or SENM Veterans Transportation Network in Roswell, NM.