LaSalle, Illinois
Robert James Mueller, 73, of 628 8th Street, LaSalle, passed away Wednesday morning, March 6, 2013 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru shortly after arrival.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2013 at Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home in LaSalle followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick?s Church, LaSalle with Rev. Antonio Dittmer, pastor of LaSalle Catholic Parishes officiating. Burial will follow at St. Vincent?s Cemetery, LaSalle. Visitation will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with a prayer service at 3 p.m.
Mr. Mueller was born July 26, 1939 in LaSalle to Joseph and Sally (Leszczyski) Mueller Basalay. He married Charleen Flannery on January 13, 1958 at St. Patrick?s Church in LaSalle. He graduated from Drake University with a master?s degree in English and played basketball for Drake University. He was a teacher at Mendota High School, L-P High School, and retired from IVCC. He coached football, basketball, and tennis at L-P High School and later coached tennis and football at IVCC. Mr. Mueller was a member of St. Patrick?s Church in LaSalle.
Survivors include his wife, Charleen of LaSalle; 6 children, Dr. Michelle Mueller of Normal, Robert (Paula) Mueller of Woodridge, Kathy Ulivi of Morris, Gary (Jean) Mueller of New Lenox, Brian (Tricia) Mueller of Bloomington, and Craig Mueller of Havre, Montana; 10 grandchildren; one brother, Bruce (Sophie) Mueller of South Barrington; one step-brother, Robert (Karen) Basalay of Midlothian, Virginia; one brother in-law, Vincent (Cathy) Flannery of LaSalle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sally Mueller Basalay and Joseph Mueller; one brother, Joseph William Mueller; his in-laws, Vincent and Edna Flannery.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Katie Ulivi, Kari Dragovan, Lynn Mueller, Erin Mueller, Bobby Mueller, Kimberly Ulivi, Ben Mueller, Megan Mueller, Scott Mueller, and Ella Mueller.
Memorial donations may be directed to the family.
My sincere sympathies. Mr Mueller was my English teacher at LP, he submitted my essay to the Chicago Tribune and it was published. He was a true inspiration.
Maggie Kendrick-Wasso
November 16, 2013 | Gardner, IL
Charleen and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this very sad time. Know that you are in our prayers.
Joanne(LP-1956)and Roger Reinhard
March 20, 2013 | Shell Knob, MO
Gary and Family:
So sorry to hear about your dad's passing. My condolences to you and your family. Will say a prayer for all of you.
Dorothy Seaborg
March 18, 2013 | Lockport, IL
Charleen & famiy
My deepest sympathy to all of you for your loss.I aways remember the volleyball and baseball games at the family picnic and especially the egg throw. He was always so much fun.
Marguerite Flannery
March 16, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Jerry Querciagrossa
March 15, 2013 | Tucson, AZ
My deepest sympathy in the loss of my classmate, Bob Mueller. God bless.
Josie Angelo Butler,
Lincoln, Nebraska
March 15, 2013
I am so saddened to hear about Mr. Mueller's passing. He was a wonderful man who I learned so much from while at IVCC. He really opened my eyes to writing and expression through words. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to the Mueller family.
Stacy Soberalski
March 14, 2013 | Napa, CA
Mr. Mueller or as we called him "Master Mueller" in English classes he taught at IVCC taught many the power of words. My first class with Mr. Mueller was the greatest challenge of my life. Semester by semester Mr. Mueller took all my fear and turned that energy into a passion for writing. He inspired me to write despite once having the fear to do so. He taught me the power of creative writing and unveiled a side to me I never even knew existed. I owe everything I am today, to the man who...
Stephen Kirby
March 14, 2013 | Winterset, IA
Charleane and family--- I am saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was an inspiration to me while at IVCC and I enjoyed him as a teacher and a friend over the years. The last time we got to visit was at his cousin Paula's funeral. His kindness and compassion for the people he was around was unbelievable. I loved his stories and his sense of humor. He always had a way to make you laugh. May he rest in peace and may your family know that you are loved and thought about in your time of...
Thomas Luther
March 12, 2013 | Morrison, IL