Michael Mike J. Muller

MULLER, Michael J. “Mike” was one of a kind. Born Oct. 5, 1944 in Ogdensburg, NY, Mike died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones in the first hour of Nov. 26, 2011, after a battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert G. and Elma Vuolle Muller and sister Susan E. Muller. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 22 years, Marcia G. Muller of Beavercreek; sister Ann Parker of Columbia, SC; son Zachary Muller of Birmingham, AL; daughter Stacy Fenn of Loveland, CO; stepdaughters Tina Gresham Gomez of Norwood, NJ and Kelly Hogencamp of Anaheim, CA; 7 grandchildren: Giles, Ian and Aubrey Fenn; Nina and Marco Gomez; and Luke and Steven Hogencamp; niece Susan Parker of Columbia, SC and nephews Erik Parker of Fon du Lac, WI and Marc Parker of Hammond, IN. His first wife, Linda Shaw, also survives. He leaves countless friends who mourn his passing, especially Tim Brown and the Beavercreek Beef O'Brady's brigade. You know who you are. Mike was blessed with a phenomenal knack for making people laugh; the ability to see every side of every issue; a kind and tender heart, especially touched by poverty, addiction or abuse; and an uncanny ability to infuriate. Women of all ages were drawn to him. Children and animals trusted him. A man's man as well, he was bright, funny, maddening, generous, irreverent and always authentic. He loved a good time and enjoyed seeing others have fun. Mike lived life on his own terms. After attending the Univ. of Texas, Mike worked for a number of years as a lineman and supervisor for Florida Power and Light in Miami and later Long Island Lighting Co. He was especially proud of his role in labor/management mediation as a member of the IBEW. He was deeply respected by both management and labor. Quality improvement was another area of strength. Mike was part of the original quality improvement team that eventually led FP&L to be the first recipient of the Deming Award for Quality Improvement outside of Japan. He retired from the electrical utilities industry in 1990 and owned and operated Deals on Wheels in Las Cruces, NM before moving to Dayton in 1999. A memorial service will be held at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd., on Sat., Dec. 3, 2011 at 3pm. His family will receive friends from 2pm until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested for City Heart, a program of hospitality and assistance to the urban poor through Christ Episcopal Church, 20 West First St., Dayton, OH; The Humane Society; The WSU Foundation, Inc. earmarked for Raider Basketball; Hospice of Dayton or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed to his family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.