Dean E. Mueller

1946 - 2022

Dean E. Mueller

March 1, 1946 - Feb. 23, 2022

MADISON - Dean Emil Mueller died peacefully in his home in Madison, Wis., surrounded by his closest family on Wednesday, February 23, 2022. He was 75 years old.

Born in Madison on March 1, 1946, to parents Emil and Mabel Mueller, Dean was the second of three Mueller boys. His early years were spent growing up on the Mueller family farm near Seymour, Wis., before moving to Appleton, Wis., at the age of seven.

Dean was an active and happy child who had a close bond with his parents, brothers and extended family. He had fond memories of family trips around the state of Wisconsin and time spent at the Hamilton family farm near Westfield, Wis. He loved sports and was an all-star catcher on his city champion Babe Ruth baseball teams, a goalie on the Appleton hockey team, and basketball and football player. He was a private coach to his younger brother, Dwight, in all his athletic endeavors but especially in baseball, a sport they shared a love for throughout their lives, even playing fastpitch softball together as adults. He was a lifeguard at the Erb Park pool throughout his high school and college years. He loved the outdoors and participated in Boy Scouts, with his mother serving as his den mother and father taking him on camping adventures, eventually earning Eagle Scout honors. For the rest of his life, he would often jokingly remind friends and family that he was a lifeguard and an Eagle Scout whenever the occasion presented itself.

He attended the University of Wisconsin where he received his B.A. with honors in Education, majoring in Economics and Political Science. Upon his graduation in 1969, he took a job teaching Economics at Madison LaFollette High School where he enjoyed working with the students and also formed many lifelong friendships with his colleagues. After his teaching career, he worked as an adjudicator for the State of Wisconsin Unemployment Compensation Division and as a program administrator overseeing funds for the remediation of leaking underground petroleum tanks. He retired early from the professional world so that he could spend his time enjoying life. When he was a little boy, he would always say that he wanted to be the shortstop for the Milwaukee Braves... or a farmer. So, in a way, he lived out his boyhood dream as he and his brother, Dwight, started and operated a small family Christmas tree farm for over 40 years, a legacy that continues with the next generation.

Dean loved the outdoors and to commune with nature. So, his land in Adams County, cabin, and Christmas tree farm were a central part of his life - a place to rejuvenate and draw energy from nature. Dean, his brothers, and their friends originally constructed a small, Lincoln-style log cabin on the land to enjoy hunting, trout fishing, and cross-country skiing year-round. Eventually, the construction of a larger cabin provided more elbowroom and comfort for what Dean considered to be his second home. He could often be found sitting on the porch watching the birds and wildlife, reading a book, and having a good dark beer. In a hand-written note taped to his desk, Dean reflected on the cabin as a time capsule, "much of what I have cared about most in the world is contained there - changeless. No matter how the years careen ahead, and no matter how long I am away. I can open the door and it all resumes again."

Dean's wife, Joyce, was the love of his life. He was her loyal guide and friend, and she appreciated his kind and generous spirit as much as his intellect and amazing integrity. They loved spending their time around good friends, good food, and good music. Many fond memories were made with friends during evenings of telling stories and playing cards. They loved to travel and explored all corners of the country together on countless road trips, but they were especially fond of dodging the worst of Wisconsin winters for warmer climates and the beach.

Dean was a tremendously supportive, loving, and proud father to his son, Andy, who considers his dad to be his best friend and hero. The two of them logged many miles together driving around town, to all of Andy's sporting events, and to the cabin, often using their time in the car to talk about life. Andy learned a lot from those conversations with his dad but equally as much from following the examples Dean set like: finding joy in nature, a love of all Wisconsin sports teams, the meaning of hard work, how to remain calm and collected and resilient in the face of adversity, and how to care for and love your family and friends unconditionally. Dean never missed any of Andy's sporting events and extracurricular activities, something that rang true for Lauri, Jeff, and Brian as Uncle Dean was a fixture at all their events as well.

Grandpa Dean adored his grandchildren, Mason and August, and spoiled them with love and attention. The sound of Grandpa Dean rolling up to the house on his Harley motorcycle would send the kids into a frenzy. His kind and patient nature made him a perfect babysitter, storyteller, and tour guide for exploration of the cabin land. He was a beloved part of their lives, and his spirit and love will be a part of them forever.

Dean described his father as a "prince of a human being," and that is a moniker that passed to him. He led by example and never stopped teaching those around him how to be better to each other and to the world around them. He exuded kindness in his everyday interactions with people. He was always welcoming and inquisitive about what was happening in your life, intensely interested in hearing about your adventures, and loved celebrating your joys and accomplishments with you. His good nature was matched with a good sense of humor, he loved to laugh and often had a surly comedic thought to add to any topic of conversation.

His memory will live on in so many of us who were lucky enough to know the teacher, farmer, conservationist, sports-lover, fierce friend, protective brother, dedicated husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, and genuinely wonderful human being.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (sons: Jon and Dan, grandchildren: Nate and Zoe); his son, Andy (wife: Anja, children: Mason and August, mother: Jane); and his brother, Dwight (wife: Mary, children: Lauri, Jeffery, Brian). He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David.

A celebration of life will be held at a date later in the spring/summer. When arrangements are finalized, they will be communicated to friends and family and posted at www.gundersonfh.com. Dean will be laid to rest alongside his parents and brother David in the Oakhill Cemetery near the Hamilton homestead farm outside of Westfield,Wis.

If you feel moved to make a donation in his honor, Dean would appreciate you donating to The Aldo Leopold Foundation, an environmental organization of your choosing, or the Oakhill Cemetery Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420