Erwin John Mueller of Deshler, NE the son of Henry and Alma (Meyer) Mueller was born September 28, 1921 at rural Davenport. He departed this life Wednesday November 14, 2012 at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Deshler, NE at the age of 91 years.
Erwin was baptized October 9, 1921 by his grandfather Pastor Johann Meyer and confirmed June 2, 1935 by Pastor O.E. Reimnitz where he attended Bethelem Lutheran School in Kiowa, NE through the 8th grade. He was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Friedensau, NE where he held various offices and because of his love for music sang in the church choir. He entered the United States Army October 1942 and was honorably discharged December 1945 serving in the European Theater as a mechanic in the Ambulance Corp. Erwin was a member of the Deshler American Legion Club. Erwin married Lois Sunderman June 1, 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clarindra, IA, this union was blessed with the birth of four sons. After the service he trucked in Nebraska and worked in a lumber yard in Clarindra, IA. In 1948 the couple moved back to the Thayer County area raising hogs and farming. In 1957 they moved to a farm west of Hebron where they continued their farming for 43 years before retiring in Deshler, NE. Erwin worked for Reinke's in Deshler and in Geneva where he helped design the tube mill. He also helped area farmers, and enjoyed designing and fabricating in his work shop. He was a 4-H leader, enjoyed fishing, woodworking, camping and traveling with Lois, most of all spending time with his family.
Erwin is preceded in death by his parents, son Eldon Mueller, brother Richard Mueller, sisters Lorna Wagoner and husband Ralph, Florence Sunderman, Ella Schroeder and husband Oscar, and brother-in-law Kenneth Sunderman. Erwin is survived by his wife Lois of Deshler, NE, sons Eugene Mueller and wife Patty of Deshler, NE, Lyle Mueller and wife Bonnie of Hebron, NE, and Lloyd Mueller and wife Marilyn of Grand Island, NE, daughter-in-law Raynette Mueller of Oakley, KS, grandchildren Brad Mueller and wife Sadie of York, NE, David Mueller of Lincoln,NE, Michelle Anderson and husband Brian of Norfolk, NE, Jennifer Carr and husband Brian of Oakdale, NE, Robert Mueller and wife Heather of Fort Benning, GA, Angela Mueller of Wood River, NE, Christopher Mueller of Lincoln, NE, Bryan Fangmeyer and wife Jessica of Ansley, NE, Len Fangmeyer and wife Michell of Kearney, NE, Carla Cage of Lincoln, Shawn Pecenke and wife Rani of Tescott, KS, Amy Grutner and husband Scott of Dodge City, KS, Greg Pecenke of Phoenix, AZ, NE, Misti Williams, and Eric Edwards and wife Amber of Grand Island, NE. Great-grandchildren Cloe, Micheyla, Katelyn, Geoffrey, Breanna, Donnigan, Sean, Michael, Ashley, Jessica, Jorden, Tanner, Logan, Landon, Amanda, Kaisha, Kasandra, Kasye, Sydney, Owen, Kelsey, and Kaden, Kenzi, brothers; Walter Mueller and wife Sheri of Twin Falls, Idaho, Alfred Mueller and wife LaMira of Superior, NE, sister; Irma Sunderman of Clarindra, IA, brother-in-law Otis Sunderman of Lincoln, NE, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services will be Monday November 19, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedensau, NE at 10:30 AM. Officiant Pastor B.J. Fouts, casket bearers; Brad Mueller, David Mueller, Robert Mueller, Christopher Mueller, Brian Carr, Brian Anderson, honorary casket bearers; Michelle Anderson, Jennifer Carr, Angela Mueller, burial will be in the church cemetery, organist Karen Haake, congregational hymns "Jerusalem, Thou City Fair and High", "Be Still My Soul", "Abide With Me", soloists Michelle Anderson and Jennifer Carr(granddaughters) with special selection "When Peace Like A River", "Lord's Prayer" CD by Eugene Mueller (son), visitation will be Sunday 2pm-7pm at Deshler Memorial Funneral Home, memorials in lieu of flowers in care of the family, condolences at www.krollfh.com Deshler Memorial Funeral Home of Deshler, NE is in charge of arrangements.