Deloris B Mueller

Deloris Mueller, age 93, of Rosemount, MN passed away peacefully at home on July 26th with her daughter by her side. She was born May 29, 1929 to Frank and Edna Hay in Flandreau, SD and was the third of nine children. The family moved to Minnesota shortly after her birth and eventually settled in Walnut Grove in 1940. There she worked the family farm (de-tasseling corn was not her favorite) alongside her siblings and parents.

After graduating from Tracy HS, Deloris moved to "the cities" where her older sister introduced her to Vernon Mueller. After four months of dating, they wed on September 3, 1948. They honeymooned at the Minnesota State Fair.

Vern and Deloris made their first home in St. Paul but soon moved out west to briefly settle in San Francisco from 1951 to 1953. Returning home due to homesickness, they resettled in St. Paul and began their family. Their only child, Jeannine, was born in 1957.

Deloris soon returned to the workforce. She was employed with Northwest Airlines at the St. Paul Airport, Brown & Bigelow, and Foldcraft, to name a few. Unlike many women of that era, Deloris worked full time while still maintaining a household. Her work ethic was something to be admired; it set the bar high and is the example that her daughter and grandchildren try to live up to.

In 1960, the couple bought their first home in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of Eagan. The move to the suburbs prompted her to finally learn to drive at the age of 31.

In 1967, Deloris began her 37 year career at Abdallah Candies, where she did the bookkeeping for the company. Her grandchildren affectionately referred to her as "Candy Grandma."

Deloris was an avid Minnesota Twins fan and (occasional) season ticket holder. She followed the Twins from their beginnings at Met Stadium to the Metrodome (where she celebrated her 80th birthday) and finally to Target Field (where she celebrated her 85th birthday!) She was in attendance for many games, cheering them on through two World Series', spring training in Ft. Myers, many post-season victories and line-up changes. TC Bear even attended her retirement party! She loved Joe Mauer!

Aside from her amazing chocolate connection, Deloris was a wonderful cook. Fried chicken was a specialty but the real family favorite was the fried chicken gravy, also known by her family name as Hay Gravy; which, despite many attempts, has still not been duplicated by her daughter or granddaughters to this day.

In 1993, she moved to a townhouse in Rosemount. At the age of 75, Deloris reluctantly retired from Abdallah Candies. While her family was happy she was no longer working, they were saddened by the loss of quality chocolates!

Deloris lived out her remaining years enjoying time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren. Puzzles, coloring, family trips to the lake and watching the Twins games were other activities she enjoyed.

Deloris is preceded in death by her husband Vernon Mueller; parents and 6 siblings. Survived by her daughter, Jeannine (Glenn) Springer; grandchildren Kristina (Charley) Smith, Brianna (Matthew) Thibodeau, Grant (Emily) Springer and Christopher "Toph" (Mindy Temple) Springer; great-grandchildren Colin, Emerson, Grace, Josey, Abe and Vada; brothers George Hay and Henry (Millie) Hay; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, August 13th at SouthCross Community Church, 1800 E. County Road 42, Burnsville, with visitation one hour prior. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for a tree to be planted in her memory and honor preferred.