Robert D. Mueller

08/22/1924 - 04/18/2011

MUELLER, Robert D.

Another WWII Veteran Hero has passed away... Robert D. Mueller died on April 18, 2011 at his home in Spokane Valley, WA, surrounded by family. Born August 22, 1924, he was the son of Lovernia and Otto Mueller, early Spokane pioneers. Bob was a greater Spokane area resident his whole life, graduating from Lewis & Clark HS in 1943. Bob worked numerous jobs as a teenager, saving his earnings to purchase a Model T Ford, his first of many vehicles... prior to his death he wrote down each one, totaling 42. Wanting to be of service to his country, upon HS graduation, he enlisted into the Navy. However, an unfortunate quirk in the induction process, Bob was assigned into the Army. Following basic training at Ft. Worth, TX and advanced training in Hawaii, he was destined to participate in the Invasion of Saipan. At the young age of 18, his superior marksmanship afforded him the position of 1st machine gunner on the frontlines. The battles were fierce and he was seriously wounded. After a lengthy recuperation in Hawaii, he returned home with the distinguished Purple Heart Medal and the Oak Leaf Cluster, among others. Upon his return, he quickly found employment. His first job as a diver's tender. Completion of that work, he was employed to drive a semi-truck hauling lumber. His employer, Bill Hamilton and childhood friend, married to Eleanor and father of two children, John and Patty. Fall 1947, a horrific hunting accident occurred claiming the lives of Bill and a cousin. Bob continued to drive the truck for Eleanor, however, the work was seasonal. He sought employment with his aunt who owned a plumbing shop in Spokane. Over the years, Bob remained close to Eleanor and her children. Their friendship turned into courtship, uniting them in marriage in 1952. He eventually began his own business, Mueller Plumbing and Heating. His business thrived because of his honesty and quality workmanship; several building contractors would only use him. As the business grew, so did his family, Robert and Janet. Bob also had a few acres in which he raised beef for the family and sold at market. Bob was an avid outdoorsman. He and his two sons became involved with scouting. He loved the outdoors and mentoring young boys. It came as no surprise that he was asked to become Scoutmaster for the group, and eventually won the award of Scoutmaster of the Week. He shared his enjoyment of the outdoors with his family and friends. He loved camping, fishing, boating and pinochle parties... In retirement, Bob and Eleanor bought a motorhome where they travelled extensively. Bob could do just about anything with his hands. No task was too large for him; from woodworking, building projects, to making teddy bears and quilts for the great-grandkids and his girls. Bob's greatest joy was his family and his quiet worship of the Lord. He was always donating time, skills, and labor to countless family, friends, his churches, and the Valley Heritage Museum. Bob is survived by his children John (Susie) Hamilton, Robert Mueller, Pat (Ross) Casey, and Janet (Larry) Hall; companion Peggy Taylor, brothers Gale (Bonnie) and Garry "Bill" (Jan) Mueller, sister Alma Clark, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Sadie C. Cooney and Betty Miller, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor and great-grandson Griffin Schellhaas. The family would like to thank The Heart Clinic, Dr. Lessmeier, Jan, Dave and Larry, The VA and Hospice of Spokane, Shelli his nurse.
Services will be held Friday May 6 at 12 Noon at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA. Memorials may be made to WoundedWarriorProject.org or Hospice of Spokane.