Willard A. Mueller

Willard A. "Willy" Mueller, 89, formerly of Fremont, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. Willard was born on May 28, 1920 to William F. and Marie (Luehmann) Mueller. He grew up in the Silo/Lewiston area, attending school and church at Immanuel Lutheran (Silo). Willard worked for area farmers, service stations, and a welding shop; and raised chickens. He retired from Warner & Swasey (Badger Equipment) after 33 years. He married Marie Schlink on November 3, 1945. They were later divorced. He and his life partner, Lucy Vickerman, spent many years together until her passing in 2009. Willard enjoyed working with his hands. He was always working on home improvement projects, gardening or tinkering in his workshop. He built two boats and a glider (his biggest pride and joy). He loved flying, and took lessons from Max Conrad. He also enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends. Willard will be missed by many dear friends and relatives, and especially; his three children, Kathy Erickson and Bob Mueller of Winona and Jim Mueller of Lewiston; his grandchildren, Mike McElmury, Jr. (Carla) of St. Charles, Jennifer Mueller of Rochester, Michele Mueller of Winona, Amy Reps of Dodge, WI, Josh Erickson of Winona, Toni Mueller of Fountain City, WI, Tracy Mueller of Winona, and Janelle Mueller of Winona/Lewiston; his great-grandchildren, Dustin, Dakota, and Zachariah McElmury, Savannah Paszkiewicz, Tessa Norby-Mueller, Christopher, Caily, Jillian, Jayci, Jacob Reps and one due in August, Mitchel and Maiya Mueller; and a brother, Allan (Shirley) Mueller of Stockton.Willard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Norman and Elmer, and sisters Hilde Cathelyn, Delores, and Esther.The Funeral Service for Willard will be held at 11:00am of Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at St. Paul's UCC/ELCA Church in Lewiston with the Reverend Leah Cook-McDowell officiating. Burial will follow at Lewiston Public Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8pm of Monday, July 20 at Hoff Funeral Home ?Lewiston Chapel and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.Please feel free to share a memory of Willard with his family, sign the on-line guestbook and view his Video Tribute when is becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/79572