Willard L. Mueller Sr., age 79, of West Bend, passed away Saturday July 3, 2010 at Horizon Hospice Columbia St. Mary's Hospital-Ozaukee.
He was born on June 4, 1931 on the family homestead farm in the Town of Trenton to the late Phillip and Adela (nee Erchens) Mueller. After his schooling Willard enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, where he faithfully served his country until 1955. On December 31, 1955 he was united in marriage to Patricia Murphy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Together they made their home in the Town of Trenton to raise their family. Patricia preceded him in death on June 12, 2005.
Willard owned his own business hauling milk, and later drove truck for Bend Industries, retiring in 1996.
He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Loyal Order of the Moose West Bend Lodge # 1398, the Teamsters Local # 200, and the Lt. Ray Dickop American Legion Post # 36. Willard really enjoyed time with his family, baseball and sheepshead. He was a member of the Old-timers Baseball Association, and is in the Land-O-Lakes Baseball Hall of Fame.
Willard is survived by four children, Willard (Ruth) Mueller Jr., Kelly Rohlinger, Spencer (Laura) Mueller, and Abbe (fiancAC. John Van de Vreugde) Duenkel, all of West Bend; eight grandchildren, Lindsey & Daniel Mueller, Matthew, Adam, Ryan, & Bria Rohlinger, Michael Mueller & Abigail (Ryan) Fuller; one great-grandson, Carter Jaxon (CJ); two brothers, Robert (Linda) Mueller of West Bend, and Allen Mueller of Colorado Springs, CO; a sister-in-law, Jeanne Mueller of West Bend; his favorite companion, Liebe; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy Mueller and Gerald Mueller; and a son-in-law, Michael Duenkel
A Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Willard will be held on Thursday July 8th at 6:00 pm at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. 8th Avenue, with Rev. Gerald Brittain officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday at the church from 4:00 pm until the time of Mass. Burial will be on Friday at 9:00 am in St. Peter's Cemetery in the Town of Farmington.
Memorials to the West Bend Baseball Association are appreciated by the family.
Special thank you to Dr. Herdrich, Dr. Olafsson, I.C.U. nurses and staff at St. Joseph's Hospital, and Columbia St. Mary's Hospital-Ozaukee.
Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service of West Bend is assisting the Family. Online guest book and condolences may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com