Merlin R. Mueller

Merlin R. Mueller, age 80, of Alma, WI passed away on Monday, October 28, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at the American Lutheran Home of Mondovi. He was born on March 17, 1933, in Mill Creek, rural Alma to Harvey C. and Frieda (Ludwigson) Mueller. On April 11, 1959 Merlin was united in marriage to Carol Loewenhagen at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma, WI and to this union five daughters were born. Carol preceded Merlin in death on May 24, 2005. Merlin and his wife owned and operated a dairy farm in Mill Creek, Buffalo County from 1960 until 1979. Merly “wore many hats” while being a farmer, he also worked at the Alma Creamery and was a longtime employee of the City of Alma, retiring in 1998. Merlin was a very active member of the Alma Lions Club, holding many different posts over the years. He was also a longtime and faithful member of St John Lutheran Church in Alma. He was the instrumental mind behind erecting the bell tower at the church in memory of his wife Carol. Merlin’s charismatic personality shined most in his career as an auctioneer. He graduated from Riesch College of Auctioneering and retired after 32 years. Even though Merlin may have said he was “retired” from auctioneering, he would still be seen donating his time to many charity auction events. Merlin and his wife purchased the Silver Moon ballroom and bar in Alma in 1978 and again his “big personality” shined providing many memories of all the events that were held there through the years until 1995. Merlin planned fun for people by hosting several casino bus trips and charter flights to Las Vegas. He loved to sit down at a table and fire up a good card game with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the beauty of Buffalo County he called home. All who knew him (and there were few who didn’t) were touched by his big heart, his warm smile, and optimistic attitude. The single most important part of Merlin’s life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Merlin will be sadly missed by his daughters, Kimberly (Jim) Sandman of Lascassas, TN, Pam (Tom Schnack) Kern of Trempealeau, Ronda (Jerry Bishofsky) Mueller of Onalaska, Amy (Mike) Daffinson of Cochrane, Cindy Fernholz of Holmen. His grandchildren, Tim (Sara Beth) Sandman, Mike (Chelsey) Sandman, Heather (Thom) Pawlak, Jake (Lana) Kern, Heidi (Will) Monson, Sgt. Matthew Mueller, Carol-Lyn Lewis, Kelsey (Cory Kemnitz) Bloom, Jon Duellman, Jen (Chris) Duellman, Joe (Jackie) Fernholz, A. J. Fernholz, Andy Fernholz, Becky Fernholz and Jamie Davidson-Mueller; 8 Great Grandchildren w/ two more on the way; Sister, Mary Ann (Louis) Wittig of Durand, mother-in-law, Emma Loewenhagen @ Pepin Manor, sister-in-law, Alice (Ken) Sillman of Alma; godson, Jerry (Joan) Oesau; Also by many nieces, nephews and countless friends. Merlin was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Carol; sisters Gladys Johnston, Delores Oesau, brother Roger Mueller and infant brother, Robert Lee. A visitation will be held at Talbot Family Homes, Alma Chapel on Friday, November 1 at 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 1:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, Alma with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating. Interment with full military honors, will follow at the Old Alma Public Cemetery. A memorial gathering will be Saturday at 10:00 AM until the hour of the service at the church. Merlin’s wishes were for memorials to be to St. John Lutheran Church of Alma. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com