J. Howard Mueller

1931 - 2025

J. Howard Mueller, 93, of Waverly, Iowa, died on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly.

John Howard Mueller was born on October 12, 1931, the son of John Henry and Esther Wilhelmina Mueller on a farm in Butler County. He was baptized on November 1, 1931, and confirmed on March 18, 1945, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waverly. Howard graduated from Waverly High School in 1949 and then from Iowa State University in 1953 with a degree in agriculture. He served two years with the United States Air Force with an intelligence-gathering unit stationed on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Strait until his discharge in 1955. Following the service, he returned to ISU for graduate work in economics. On August 24, 1958, he was united in marriage to Frances Jane Isch in Bowling Green, Ohio. Howard and Fran have two sons, Mark and Steven, both involved in the family farming operation. Howard retired in 1996, remaining as a consultant.

Howard became increasingly involved in agricultural organizations, serving as Chairman of the U.S. Grains Council and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. He also served as Chairman of the National Farm Credit Advisory Committee and as a Director of the Cedar Falls Federal Land Bank for many years. Of special meaning to him was the work of Self Help International where he served as a volunteer.

Music was important to Howard. He played in the Iowa State Concert and Marching Bands and sang in college vocal groups. He sang in St. Paul's Church choir for over 50 years.

Survivors are his wife, Fran Mueller of Waverly, two sons, Mark (Jerilyn) Mueller of Waverly and Steven (Jacqueline) Mueller of Van Meter; grandchildren Kathryn, Sarah, Ava, and Ella, and his brother, Richard (Sharon) Mueller of Waverly. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service will be held October 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School with Pastor Falenschek presiding. Inurnment will take place at a later time. The family will greet family and friends an hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be directed to either St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School, or to Self Help International or to the charity of choice. Online condolences can be left at www.kaisercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home of Waverly is assisting the Mueller family, 319-352-1187.