Gary A. Mueller

Gary A. Mueller, 75 of Onalaska and formerly of La Crosse, WI., passed away at his home on Monday, August 2, 2021. He was born in Winona, Minnesota to Clarence and Mabel (Loesel) Mueller. He graduated from Logan High School and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. On January 15, 1966, he married Barbara J. Johnson in La Crosse. They were happily married for over fifty-five years.

Gary had an entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for business and in 1967 opened Mueller Insurance Agency which he operated until his death. In 1970, he moved his family to Sparta, where they also farmed for over fifteen years. Gary loved movies and he owned and operated the Sparta indoor and outdoor drive-in theaters as well as video rental stores. He later owned auto, marine and powersports dealerships in La Crosse and Onalaska. He was known for being able to strike up a conversation with anyone. Gary liked to work and instilled a strong work ethic in his four children who all grew up working in the family businesses. As successful as he was in his professional career, his greatest accomplishment was his family.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His favorite time was Christmas when the entire family was together. He liked to travel, whether it be on one of many family road trips or to his favorite destinations of Hawaii, Branson and Las Vegas. He had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Gary was a big Packers fan and loved watching games at home. He also enjoyed an occasional game of poker with family or friends.

Gary will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Tracey (Dennis) Olichwier, Christie (Steven) Peters, Julie Mueller, and Gary (Rebecca) Mueller; grandchildren Cody, Stephanie, Steven, Alexander, Oliver, and Evelyn; and great-grandchildren Lana and Rosalie. He is further survived by three brothers, Terry (Lola), Greg, Brian (Conrad) and sister, Cheryl Kinstler; sister-in-law Patricia (Michael) Strittmater, brother-in-law Dave Thompson; and many nieces, nephews and extended relatives.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Waldemar and Magdalene Johnson; sisters-in-law, Kellie Mueller and Mary Thompson; and nephew, Jeffery Mueller.

A private family memorial service at the Catholic Cemetery of La Crosse and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, any memorials given will be donated in Gary’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Salvation Army of La Crosse.