Joseph H. Mueller

Joe was born to Anna Katherine (Klasinski) Mueller and Joseph William Mueller in Kansas City, Missouri, September 26, 1918. He passed away in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, February 9, 2013. Visitation will be Thursday, February 14 from 9:30-10:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Presentation Catholic Church, 130 NW Murray Road, Lee’s Summit, MO, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities.

He attended grade school at St. Michael’s, high school at St. John’s Seminary, and college at Finley Engineering, all in Kansas City. Joe was a member of Our Lady of Presentation Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit. He and Shirley Emaline (Smith) Mueller were married July 20, 1940 at Our Lady of Sorrows in Kansas City, Missouri.

Joe retired from Bendix Corporation in 1982 after 30 plus years of service as a Facilities Engineer. He was a licensed Professional Engineer.

He served in World War II in the 9th Tank Destroyers in Patton’s Third Army and served under Patton during all four European campaigns, completing his service as a Staff Sergeant. He was a Purple Heart recipient, twice decorated. In September 2011, Joe was able to participate in the Veteran’s Honor Flight to Washington, DC. It was a very rewarding experience for him to share with fellow veterans.

Joe had a lifetime fondness for fishing and vacationing at Lake Minnebelle in Litchfield, Minnesota. Joe and Shirley spent their retirement years visiting all fifty states and many other countries with family and friends. He was an enthusiastic and avid fisherman and bowler. As a young couple, Joe and Shirley danced with the Holy Cross Square Dancing Club and enjoyed ballroom dancing with a group of friends. Because Joe and Shirley both came from large families, their home was always a welcoming and gathering hub for family and friends. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren. Annual family vacations were a highlight for all, and numerous road trips leave treasured memories for family and friends.

Joe had a life of service with St. Michael’s Church and Our Lady of Presentation Church, serving as a lector, usher, treasurer, Eucharistic minister and doing errands and repairs whenever needed. Joe and Shirley helped as drivers for Meals on Wheels. His memberships in Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus provided many good times with their friends from both parishes.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Joseph and Anna; brothers: Bob (Anna), Ed (Margaret), and Dick; son, Stephen; daughter, Sondra Sue Mueller; and lifetime friends Joe and Florence Blum.

Joseph is survived by: his wife of 72 years, Shirley Emaline; sister Joanne Krebs (Jim, deceased); sister-in-law Marie; children: Raymond (Carole) Mueller, Shirley Ann Snider, Ronald Mueller, Regina (Joe) Gonzalez, Roberta (Rick) Boitnott, daughter-in-law Georgia Mueller; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.

Joe often recalled many happy memories of his early years in Leavenworth with his cousins Father George (Bud) Klasinski and Bill Klasinski.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of John Knox Village and Village Hospice for their compassionate care for Joe. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Kansas City, 301 E.Armour Blvd, Suite 620, KCMO, 64111. Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.