John L. Mueller, Sr.

John Louis Mueller, Sr., 92, of St. Libory, IL passed away on May 9, 2023.

The eldest of five siblings, John was born to Louis and Mary, née Luecking, Mueller on September 28, 1930. He had a variety of careers over his lifetime, including time as a meat cutter at Dintleman’s Meat Market in Marissa, IL. Later in life, he was a foundry foreman at Wirco Castings in New Athens, IL, where he met his wife, Sharon, née Quathamer, Mueller, after a period of avid and earnest wooing.

John wed his first wife, Mary Jane Dintleman, in 1952 and with her had six children: Linda (Harry) Hutchings, James John, Barbara (Mike) Brueggeman, Ann (Tim) Smythe, John Louis, Jr., and Thomas Gerald. After wedding Sharon on February 14, 1981, at Holy Ghost Church in Darmstadt, IL, he had two daughters: Mary Mueller, and Dr. Laura Mueller.

John is survived by his wife, Sharon, his five daughters, his sister, Mary Ann Kaemmerer, five grandchildren--Regina (Steve) Bis, Kyle (Alyssa) Brunsmann, Lindsey (Ben) Mueller Klutenkamper, Tommy (Carrie) Mueller, Jr., and Stephanie Mueller-- six great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Shirley Mueller, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his three sons, James, Thomas, and John, Jr., his brothers Arnold, and Eugene “Pete”, his sister Florence Kassen, and his brothers-in-law.

John was an absolutely avid reader, having a personal library of well over 1,000 books. In addition, he was a masterful crossword puzzler; it was difficult to keep him in stock of puzzles challenging enough for him, and The New York Times Saturday Crossword was hardly an obstacle. He was also an amateur poet, philosopher, and theologian. He instilled in his descendants an abiding love of literature, philosophy, and knowledge in general.

He had a razor-sharp wit that could be cutting but clever; he did not suffer fools gladly (or otherwise). After he retired, during his tenure as a stay-at-home-dad to his youngest daughters, he also became a surprisingly adept ironer of ruffles. While he was able, he enjoyed yard work, mowing the lawn “just so,” and being outside, no matter how insufferably hot the weather became. Until he was no longer able to, he spent summer days sitting in his shed, reading a book and listening to a Cardinals game, reminding visitors that the wasps won’t bother them, if they don’t bother the wasps. He was a devout member of St. Liborius Catholic Church. In his later years, he also became an enthusiastic and indulgent “cat dad.”

Memorials may be made to St. Liborius Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 331, St. Libory, IL 62282 or Masses. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com

Visitation: From 10 AM to 12 noon Friday, May 12, 2023, at St. Liborius Catholic Church in St. Libory, IL.

Funeral: A funeral Mass will be held 12 noon Friday, May 12, 2023, at St. Liborius Catholic Church with Father Nick Fleming officiating. Burial will follow in St. Liborius Catholic Cemetery.