John “Jack” Edward Frederick Mueller

Obituary

John “Jack” Edward Frederick Mueller was born on December 23, 1923, in Hamburg, Minnesota.  He was the son of John H. and Helen (Oelfke) Mueller.  John was baptized as an infant on January 6, 1924, and later was confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 21, 1937, both by Rev. Baumann at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota.  He graduated from Central High School in Norwood Young America with the Class of 1942.

On May 9, 1948, John was united in marriage to Dorothy Prehn by Rev. C. E. Mix at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato, Minnesota.  Jack and Dorothy made their home in Hamburg until 2014 when they moved to Peace Villa in Norwood Young America, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with 1 son, Larry and 2 daughters, Joyce and Karen.  John and Dorothy shared over 67 years of marriage until Dorothy passed away on March 3, 2016. 

John owned and operated a grocery business in Hamburg, Minnesota, which was previously owned by his father and grandfather.  Together with his wife, Dorothy they maintained the business until retirement in 1986.  John was a lifelong member of Emanuel Lutheran church in Hamburg, where he served on the Church Council, as a church elder and head usher.  He enjoyed singing and for over forty years was a member of both the men’s choir and the mixed choir.  John also served as a member of the Hamburg Fire Department for 22 years.  He was a left-handed pitcher for the Hamburg Town Team, a past member of the Hamburg Baseball Club and served on the Hamburg Town Council.

John loved to compete in bowling, whether it was in men’s bowling leagues and tournaments or bowling mixed doubles with his beloved wife, Dorothy.  He also liked to play cards, dance a polka or waltz and take trips with family and friends.  John was a dedicated Minnesota Twins fan, supporting them through years of triumph and years of defeat.  He rarely missed watching a game.  John had a wonderful sense of humor and lived life embracing it in a positive light.  He treasured his family and his greatest love was time spent with them.  John was the biggest fan at his grandchildren’s school and sporting events and his great grandchildren always brought a proud smile to his face.  Deeply loved, John leaves behind a priceless collection of memories his loved ones hold dear to their hearts.

John passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018, at New Perspective Senior Living in Waconia, Minnesota, at the age of 94 years and 30 days. 

Blessed be his memory.

John is survived by his:
Son, Larry Mueller and his wife, Barb Peterson, of Eden Prairie, MN;
Daughters, Joyce Zabel and her husband, Bob Shanahan, of Norwood Young America, MN,
Karen Otto of Waconia, MN, and friend Bill Sletten of Otsego, MN;
Grandchildren, Joe Mueller and his wife, Meg, of Shakopee, MN,
Tim Mueller and his wife, Megan, of Edina, MN,
Katie Mueller, of Edina, MN,
Charity Kranz and her husband, Karl, of Lexington, KY,
Luke Zabel and his wife, Amber, of Gresham, OR,
Ben Otto of Waconia, MN,
Pat Otto of Waconia, MN, and special friend, Hania Pokora of Edina, MN;
Great Grandchildren, Kaylee Otto, Brayden Otto, Braxton Otto, James Mueller;
Sisters, Doreen Kloth of Eden Prairie, MN,
Gloria Trittabaugh of Hutchinson, MN,
Helene Olson and her husband, Delford, of Bemidji, MN;
Sisters-In-Law, Luella Prehn of Glencoe, MN,
Orvilla Prehn of Glencoe, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and many friends.

John is preceded in death by his Parents, John and Helen Mueller; Wife, Dorothy Mueller; Son-In-Law, Bob Zabel; Sister, Marvel Holicky and her husband, Frank; Brothers-In-Law, Stan Kloth, Glen Trittabaugh, Harold Prehn, Marvin Prehn; Sister-In-Law, Lorna Matthews.