Hans Mueller

Mueller, Hans W. Was born January 14, 1923 at rest January 19, 2012 at age 89. Hans was born in Essen, Germany and immigrated to America with his parents and sister at the age of 9 months. They joined extended family already living in Joliet. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret (Chesnut) Mueller; son, Terry (Rebecca) Mueller, and daughter Pam (Marc) Schonwise. Also survived by 4 grandchildren: Michelle (Chris) Obrecht, Holly (Jeff) Cravens, Richard (Merrinda) Janas, and Elizabeth (Trent) Ayers. Also survived by 9 great grandchildren. Also survived by two sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and numerous nieces,nephews,cousins, and cherished friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Jacob Mueller, Wilhelmina (Mueller) Muehler, and step-father, Martin Muehler. Also preceded in death by his sister, Gretel (Ray) Gasper, brother, Ludwig Mueller and step brothers : Max, Richard, Walter, William Muehler and step sisters: Hertha Rogers, Bernice Schroeder; also brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Hans moved to Mokena when he was seven years old. He attended Mokena Grade School and the 2 year Mokena High School graduating in 1939. At age 16 he held various jobs eventually became a welder. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran (1943-1946) serving as a shipfitter in Hawaii. Hans retired from Caterpillar Tractor in 1982 after 31 years starting as a welder and retiring as a training and safety manager. He received his GED from Lincoln-Way High School in 1957. Hans was very active in his community. He served on the Mokena # 159 Grade School Board for 10 years and the Lincoln Way High School Board for 18 years. He was on the Mokena Village Board for 5 years and the Salem Village Board of Governors for 7 years. He was a lifelong member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Mokena where he taught Sunday school, and served on the Church Council, Board of Christian Education and sang in the Choir. A memorial funeral service will be held Thursday January 26, 2012 at 12:00 noon at the St. John's United Church of Christ 11100 Second Street Mokena, IL 60448. Interment is private. Memorial Visitation will be at the Vandenberg Funeral Home 19604 S. Wolf Rd. Mokena, IL 60448 on Wednesday January 25, 2012 from 2:00­8:00 PM. In Lieu of flowers a donation to the St. John's United Church of Christ Church, Joliet Area Community Hospice 250 Water Stone Circle Joliet, IL. or to a charity of your choice. For information 708-532-1635 or www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com