Frederick Jay Mueller

Fred (Frederick) Jay Mueller of La Crescent, MN passed away peacefully in his home on January 4, 2017 at the age of 63. In comfortable pajamas, he curled up on the couch with a blanket to relax for the evening. After falling asleep, he likely experienced a sudden pulmonary embolism and did not wake up.

Fred was born at a U.S. Naval Air Station in San Diego County, California in 1953. He was baptized and confirmed at Crucifixion Church in La Crescent and attended Crucifixion School and La Crescent High School. In high school, Fred was well-known for his long hair and his hot rod Chevy car. He married Judy (Lange) Mueller in 1975, and together, they built a home and family in rural La Crescent off County Highway 6; they were married for 37 years. He worked at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in Facility Services for over 40 years. He had a passion for making the world beautiful and took great pride in a well-manicured and trimmed lawn, pruned trees and shrubs, and colorful flowers. His special landscaping touch could be seen at the hospital, at is home, and throughout La Crescent. He and his three sons could often be found around town on summer weekends doing “side jobs,” making lawns “pretty.”

Fred had a truly one-of-a-kind personality and character. He was a story-teller, at times of very long stories, and always managed to keep you hooked until the end. He was a Harley man, a Chevy man, and yes, a Marlboro man. Not many people can pull off a ponytail, cowboy boots and a duster, but he did with ease. He was an antique and gun collector; he loved to wheel-and-deal and appreciated the history of each item (and the additional story-telling content)! He loved and supported his family; he was at every football game, every wrestling match, and every dance recital with a booming voice of encouragement and his video camera. “Love is a verb,” he would say and demonstrate. He loved music and movies and sourced many of his classic one-liners from them; for music, it was Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Kid Rock, Steve Earle, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Lynyrd Skynyrd and for movies it was historical dramas and westerns like Lonesome Dove, Tombstone, Dances with Wolves. His sister described him as “whole-brained.” On one hand, he was very analytical and loved to problem-solve; he could just about fix anything. On the other hand, he was very artistic and creative; he designed and crafted his house, garage, decks, porch swings, tables, and several deer antler chandeliers, just to name a few. He was an amazing cook and grill-master (only a charcoal Weber, please); he always wanted to make sure everyone had a full belly and strongly encouraged seconds (“you’re not full yet!”). He was the hardest worker; no matter how much fun was had on the weekend, he firmly believed that you show up to work and pay your bills on-time. Fred’s most amazing attribute was his big, big heart. He had a most special place for his grandchildren; he sat on the floor and played with them, helped the little girls with their hair, and read/told them many stories. He seized every opportunity to teach his kids: euchre, lawn trimming, math, hunting, home maintenance, cars (“did you check you oil?”), and finances. His biggest lessons … always be humble and kind, help the underdog, and play ‘em like you got ‘em.

Fred is survived by his four children, Adam Mueller, Sarah Mueller Dorschner and Jason Dorschner, Christopher Mueller, and Levon Mueller. He has five beautiful grandchildren: Madisen Mueller, McKenna Mueller, and Ayla Mueller (granddaughters), Everett Dorschner (grandson), a new granddaughter coming in May. He is also survived by his parents, John and Sigrid Mueller, his siblings, Julie (Tom) Eckert, Cathy “Muffie” (John) Klug, Kurt (Tammi) Mueller, Karen “Lulu” (Jim) Curtis, and Jacquie (Tom) Bormett, his dear friend Brenda Betsinger, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Fred is preceded in death by his cousins, Sharon Stefferud, Patrick Monroe and Zandria Mueller Van Ness; and his brother-in-law, Dwight “Fuzzy” Kerns.

A celebration of Fred’s life will take place on Sunday, January 15th from 3-7 PM at the Schumacher Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crescent, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 16th, at 11:00 AM at Crucifixion Catholic Church with Rev. Gregory Havel officiating. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. A lunch will follow in the Crucifixion Auditorium. Fred’s kids will have a notebook at his services and would love to have visitors note their special memories of him.

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