Obituary of Ernst Mueller

Ernst "Ted" Mueller, age 92, peacefully passed away on October 24, 2023. He was born in the small farming community of Klein-Eichen, Hessen, Germany.

As a young boy, Ted enjoyed life on the family farm and dreamed of working with farm animals. This dream took Ted on an extraordinary journey in 1950 when the Church of the Brethren found him a host family as a foreign exchange student. Fate brought him to a small Iowa farming community, where he crossed paths with the love of his life, Mary Jean. Two years later Ted returned to America permanently, marking the beginning of their love story. Ted and Mary Jean married in December 1957 and started their family together in Nevada, IA. Eventually they settled in Lakeville, MN. A job transfer sent them to Iron Mountain, MI; they also enjoyed time at their cabin in Park Falls, WI. They retired in Red Wing, MN to be near family. 

As a dedicated worker with RMS, Ted's craftsmanship was evident both in his profession and personal life. He had a passion for tinkering and shared his love for building things with his children and grandchildren, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Beyond his workbench, Ted also found joy in traveling, bird watching, a good game of golf with Mary, volunteering, and photography.

Ted is survived by his three children, Michael (Sue) Mueller, Julie (Steve) Theriault, and Susan Mueller; seven grandchildren, Brodie (Breanne) Mueller, Steph (Matt Chaffee) Theriault, Jacob (Katie) Mueller, Jeffrey (Nicole) Theriault, Aria (Max) Burmeister, Miciah Mueller, and Sade Mueller; eleven great-grandchildren, Lilly, Nora, Isaac, Thomas, Madeline, Tyler, Tim, Emma, Henry, William, and Oliver, also his favorite furry companion, Izzy.

Ted was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jean, his parents, Karl and Berta Mueller, his brother Albert Mueller, and his sister Marie Gornert.

There will be a private family interment at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings, MN at a later date.