Dr. Van D. Mueller

Mueller, Dr. Van D. Passed away peacefully on March 8, 2012, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, "Mike"; two daughters, Vanessa Mueller (Doug Hodgdon), Kerry Fritze; and four grandchildren, Kyle Fritze (Michael McKay), Ryan Fritze (Cassandra), Evan Hodgdon and Loren Fritze; one brother, William (Pat); and 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Edith Irene in 1982; and his sister, Margaret Alice Jahn, in 1964. Van was born in Manistique, Michigan in 1929, graduated from Manistique High School, Central Michigan College of Education (now CMU) with a B.S., from the University of Michigan with a M.A., and from Michigan State with an Ed.D. He accepted a position in 1964 in the Educational Administration Department (now Health and Human Development) where he taught for thirty-three years. After earning a B.S. in 1953, Van served in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox and Fort Bragg and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant from the 44th Armored Division of the 82nd Airborne. He then spent 10 years as a teacher and administrator in Michigan public schools and in the Michigan Department of Instruction. In addition to his teaching duties, Van advised over 150 graduate students, completed school finance studies in ten states and testified in equity law suits in state courts in seven states. He coordinated the Education Policy Fellows Program (EPFP) in Minnesota for over twenty-five years which included over 300 mid career educators. Van was passionate about education and equity for all students. He was president of the Minnesota PTA for two years, and serviced as National Vice-president and treasurer. He cofounded the American Education Finance Association where he served as a board member, vice-president, president, and was co-editor of two AEFA yearbooks. He also held several offices with the local, state and national Phi Delta Kappa, an honorary education group. A memorial service will be held at McNamara Center on the U. of MN campus on March 25 at 4pm with visitation at 4pm and service at 4:40. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Edith I. Mueller scholarship fund at the Dept. of Kinesiology, U. of MN, or the Eva Burrell Animal Shelter in Manistique, Michigan. The Dr's. Mueller established an endowed scholarship in honor of their daughter Edith, who was a senior in Park and Recreation when she died. The Eva Burrell Animal Shelter was gifted with start-up funds and has been a favorite charity for Van and Mike since 1992. A graveside ceremony in Manistique is planned for June.