John Mueller

John Jay Mueller, 91, of La Crescent, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at La Crescent Health Care Center.

He was born in La Crosse on May 25, 1926, to John and Helen (Haas) Mueller. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and was a 1943 graduate of Aquinas High School. On August 5, 1950, John was married to Sigrid Stefferud by Bishop Treacy at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman.

Upon graduation from Aquinas, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and, after earning his degree in Electrical Engineering at Marquette University, was commissioned as a Naval officer. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was aboard the U.S.S. Sumner near Bikini Atoll when the testing of the atomic bomb was ongoing. He was later recalled to active duty during the Korean War, serving on the U.S.S. Kidd.

John began working for Ace Telephone Co. in 1955 as Exchange Manager in the La Crescent area and continued in the Engineering Department until his retirement in 1989. He remained active in his retirement years by volunteering at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center and the La Crescent Health Care Center, and was a member of the perpetual prayer group at St. Rose Convent. He also completed the lay ministry program with the Winona Diocese in 2000. John was a long-time member of Crucifixion Parish in La Crescent and a 65-year member of Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595, where he was a member of the firing squad and the marching contingent that represented the post at many parades. When there was free time, John loved to read, go hiking, and ride his bike around the La Crescent area. He was known for his honesty and kindness.

John is survived by his wife, Sigrid; five children, Julie (Tom) Eckert of Dakota, Minn., Cathy “Muffie” (John) Klug of Caledonia, Minn., Kurt (Tamie) Mueller of Lakeville, Minn., Karen “Lulu” (Jim) Curtis of La Crosse, and Jacquie (Tom) Bormett of Madison, Wis.; nineteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Clarice Mueller; a brother-in-law, Tom Monroe; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Fred Mueller, on January 4, 2017; a son-in-law, Dwight “Fuzzy” Kerns; two brothers, Tom and Bob (Shirley) Mueller; one sister, Joan Monroe; and Sigrid’s brother, Carl (Lorraine) Stefferud.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 18 ^th , at the Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent. Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Crucifixion Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:30 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 111 So. Oak St., La Crescent, beginning with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. There will also be visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday at the church.

John’s family would like to thank Dr. Duane Undeland and Dr. Chris Hofland for their compassionate care.