Obituary of Dick Mueller

Richard L. Mueller (Dick) entered Heaven on January 6, 2024. He was surrounded in love by his wife of 58 years, Linda (Rueth), their children Tim (Amy), Dan, Jon (Melinda), David (Tina); and grandchildren Lucas, Alexandra, Olivia, Elliot, Avery, Natalie, Evan, Sydney, Megan and Alex. He is further survived by his sister Kathryn Banbury (Bill), brother Gerry (Joyce) and many nieces and nephews; preceded in death by his father Herb, mother Alma and brother Ron. 

Dick has been a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson his entire life and his strong faith in God was evident. He passed his love of the Lord, family values and unwavering work ethic onto his four sons and ten grandchildren. He was so proud of each of them.

After graduating from Northwestern Prep High School in Watertown in 1964, Dick married the love of his life, Linda, in 1965. He worked as a diesel mechanic at Stoppenbach’s and later worked at Ladish Malting. He finished his career serving others as a trustworthy auto mechanic and AMSOIL distributor. Dick also spent many years coaching Jefferson Little League and youth basketball, was a Trainmaster for Lutheran Boy Pioneers, and ran the junior bowling league. 

You could find Dick throughout town chatting it up and playing a hand of cards with friends, knocking down pins at the bowling alley, mowing the lawn at church, or handing you a cold beer at the Blue Devils concession stand. He lent his helping hands to anyone who needed them - whether assisting them with a broken down car, moving furniture or shoveling their driveway. 

Dick was an enthusiastic fan of NASCAR. He took pride in his collection of racing memorabilia, quite possibly the largest in Jefferson County. His favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Matt Kenseth. Dick also enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers, and he completed a crossword puzzle almost every day. We will always remember his impeccable memory and stories, often told with the tiniest of details that no one else would have remembered. 

The Mueller family will hold a visitation on Friday, Jan. 12 from 9-11 a.m., funeral service at 11, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the American Stroke Association are appreciated. 

Special thanks to staff at The View in Johnson Creek and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care during Dick’s final days. 

Dick never said goodbye - it was always “see you later.” We miss him so much but are comforted knowing we will see him again in Heaven.