Joan Olsen Mueller

Joan O. Mueller, 91, passed away December 31, 2025. Born in June 1934 as Mary Joan Olsen in Schenectady, New York, her family soon relocated to Long Island. They relished their summers in Bucks Harbor, Maine in a log cabin designed by her father and built by the family on location. After graduating from Garden City High School, she continued her education at Wells College with a BA in Biology. She enjoyed her studies at University of Wisconsin, Madison (MS in Genetics). After marrying Augie Mueller and having 2 children, Joan completed her PhD (Immunogenetics). The 1962 Christmas photos noted the achievements of Joan's new PhD, new baby Bruce, new house in Vestal, and Augie's new job as Assistant Professor.

Joan pursued many interests including teaching, many types of sewing, serving as treasurer for several organizations, traveling, and supporting Augie in his passionate pursuit of bicycling and other outdoor activities. She enjoyed teaching Regents Biology at Union Endicott High School from 1970 until her retirement in 1995. Earlier, Joan provided substitute coverage to teach college genetics for Augie. Her sewing projects adorn three generations of her family. Her quilts and exquisite needlepoint beautify many areas of her home and church. She was faithful member in her church; she sang alto in choir and was church treasurer for many years. Joan also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity as a treasurer and was particularly pleased to witness the arrival of boards cut from the 2023 Rockefeller Christmas tree to be used in a new habitat house. Joan and Augie traveled on several river cruises in Europe and enjoyed a number of other trips to Portugal, Panama Canal, Russia, and China. At home, Augie could always count on Joan to be available to drive a sag wagon or to host visiting bicyclists overnight or to host numerous college students for waffles.

Joan was the oldest of three children of Oscar and Mary Olsen. Joan is survived by brother Oscar "Fred" Olsen, Jr (spouse Diana "Dee" Olsen) of Kailua, Hawaii; sister Kirsten Prigge (spouse William "Nick" Prigge) of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire; daughter Kirsten Adams (spouse Dan Adams, Jr) of Fort Worth, Texas; son Bruce "Burt" Mueller of Endwell, New York; and treasured grandchildren Kimberly, Daniel III, Andrew Adams, and Nathan Mueller. Joan was predeceased by her husband August Mueller and her parents.

A Celebration of Joan's life will be held2:00 pm, Saturday, January 24, 2026 at St Andrew's Anglican Church, 400 W Wendell Streety, Endicott, New York. Joan follows Augie in being a donor to SUNY Upstate Medical Anatomical Gift Program. Joan was touched when the 2025 plaque said donors "are our first patient and our greatest teacher" for future physicians and health professionals. The medical students organize an annual memorial service in April, and Joan will be one of many donors recognized.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to WSKG or Broome County Habitat for Humanity. Both organizations are dear to Joan and Augie. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com. Arrangements for the family are directed by the DeMunn Funeral Home and Cremation Service.