Harold Mueller

1935 - 2026

Harold Mueller

March 28, 1935 - March 14, 2026

Harold Walter Mueller passed away peacefully at his home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on March 14, 2026, fourteen days short of his 91st birthday.

Harold was born on March 28, 1935, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Walter and Audrey (Brekke) Mueller. He grew up and attended school in Eau Claire. At an early age, he was always interested in automotive and mechanical things. He worked for Ed Mueller Service, Hanson Pontiac, Wood Motor Company, and later opened Harold Mueller's Standard on Hastings Way. His business of 30 years included 5 bays, a radiator shop, front end room, and wrecker service. He also owned and operated Harvon Apartments on Clairemont Avenue until the Hwy 53 bypass took it out.

In 1954 he married Barbara Evans, later divorced. In 1961, he married Yvonne Pacholke, his wife and best friend of 64 years until his death. He was an avid stock car racer, starting at age 16 with his first car "Sweet 16". He continued racing, known as 'top dog' at many area, state, and Canadian tracks. He was also a big Nascar fan, following the circuit attending many races each year. From 1980 to 1986, he crewed the Menard's Indy car as right rear tire changer and mechanic. He loved and collected old cars, particularly Studebakers, Packards, and his beloved '38 Buick. This passion kept him busy with maintenance and daily cruises. Swap meets and car shows were other hobbies of his. Travel and snow birding to Florida since 1988 brought much joy. Summers brought him back to Wisconsin, camping with friends in his motorhome. A mean game of cards often resulted in him giving everyone a friendly 'bad time'. Harold loved his family - kids, grand kids, and great grand kids. He was actively engaged with St John's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, and Reformation Lutheran Church in Lakeland Florida.

Harold is survived by his wife, Yvonne, daughters Sharon (Lloyd) Lium of Eau Claire, Vicki (Dave) Engstrom of Eau Claire, and Kathi (Doug) McMaster of Durham CT; sons Terry (Tina) Mueller of Elk Mound, Michael (Liz) Mueller of Eau Claire, and Steven (Kelly) Mueller of Eau Claire; Grandchildren Michael (Angie) Engstrom, Kevin Engstrom, Kayleen Connel, Angela (Jesse) Henning, Melissa (Jesse) Hogstad, Audrey (Joe) Dekan, Alissa Lium, Ryan Mueller, Walter Mueller, Alec Mueller, Kaci (Sam) Weber, Bradly (Tess) Mueller, and Sean McMaster; Great-grandchildren Emma Engstrom, Dane Engstrom, Abbigale Engstrom, Sawyer Engstrom, Holden Hogstad, Silas Mueller, Gia Shreffler, Hayes Hogstad, Roman Mueller, Walker Mueller, Madison Weber, Billie Mueller, Calum Dekan, and Eloise Henning; sister Karen (Dennis) Haines, sisters-in-law Patti Mueller and Linda Mueller and Jerry Lebarron and Dennis Haines. Also, many nieces, nephews, and friends. A special thank you to St Croix Hospice, especially Nurse Meghan and Massage Therapist Allison. Harold was a truly remarkable man and will be missed dearly by everyone. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Audrey Mueller, sisters Gayle (Allan) Bilderback, Donna (Don) Reynen, Joan (Jerry) Lebarron, brothers John (Patti) Mueller, and Charles (Linda) Mueller, and brothers-in-law Allan Bilderback and Don Reynen.

Services will be held on June 6th, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1804 Highland Ave, Eau Claire WI. Visitation will be from 9am-11am with church service to follow. Lunch will be provided from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. Funeral proceedings for family members will immediately follow at the Prairie View Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Donations in his memory may be sent to Salvation Army Eau Claire or High Ground, Neillsville WI. https://www.thehighground.us/