Kenneth D. `Ken` Mueller
Kenneth D. `Ken` Mueller , Age 74
Kenneth D. “Ken” Mueller, age 74 of Elroy passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Elroy Health Service. Kenneth, son of Donald and Patricia (Shields) Mueller was born September 3, 1951, in Richland Center. He was a graduate of Reedsburg High School, Class of 1969.
Ken was a uniquely charismatic and gifted athlete in his younger years - at one time one of the best fast-pitch softball pitchers in the State. Those gifts would serve him all his life.
Ken graduated from Madison Business College and began his career in sales – a start that would lead him back to Carr Valley Cheese in LaValle – at the time, a humble operation owned and operated by his father Don and uncles LaVerne and James. When he wasn’t enjoying the fresh curds himself, Ken was hard at work developing Carr Valley’s first retail location. Seemingly modest steps for a proud son and nephew, but they would prove to be monumental in the Company’s evolution Carr Valley has since become one of the nation’s premier cheese producers, winning national and international awards.
Ken was a man of deep faith and he possessed an incredible ability to find joy in life’s simple things. He trusted in God, and that trust freed him from many burdens. Despite health challenges in his later years, he could always be found with a smile on his face, bringing his signature wit and charm to every conversation. He had a truly beautiful and admirable disposition – one we should all aspire to.
Ken cherished time with family, who reciprocated that love and adoration, and he was always willing to dive deep into the Brewers, Packers, or local sports scene. If you scored 12 points in a high school basketball game in the late ‘80’s, Ken Mueller remembered it. If you had the highest average in your local bowling league in the ‘90’s, Ken Mueller knew about it. He paid attention. He invested. And he was genuinely proud of you.
Ken was always quick with a compliment telling you that the meal you just prepared was the best he had ever eaten or how beautiful you looked each time you saw him. They were not empty words. They were said with love and deep gratitude with which he lived his life. When Ken shook your hand, he held on tight; there was love in it, and you knew he meant it.
Survivors include his siblings, Sharon Mueller of Reedsburg, Christine (Wayne) MacArdy of Mauston, Laurie (Tim) Klemm of Reedsburg and Teresa (Tom Sawyer) Mueller of Franklin; sister-in-law, Jenny Mueller of Baraboo, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Father John Blewett officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences
Charlie Brandt July 16, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
What a great guy and lifelong friend. Always enjoyed visiting. So pleasant to me and all of my family . Peace be with you and say hi to brother Tom when you get to heaven .
Tom & Teri Dorner July 16, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Ken was always a bright light when we met at mass, such a loving soul! Rest in peace Ken...
Bob and Becky Penzkover July 16, 2026
Friend Rock Springs , Wisconsin
The world lost a kind, happy soul. Ken always made us smile and never too busy for a friendly visit. May he rest safe in the arms of Jesus.
Dean and Deb Douglas July 16, 2026
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Every time we saw Ken, it was a happy, pleasant meeting. He always greeted us "Hi Dean and Mrs Dean". We will miss him. Rest in peace,Kenny.
Mike Montgomery July 16, 2026
Friend Sparta , Wisconsin
I always remember Ken as being happy. R.I.P. Ken.
Steve Hewitt July 16, 2026
Classmate Sebring , Florida
Always enjoyed having Ken on my side in sports. RIP.
Rick July 16, 2026
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Knew Kenny from the neighborhood and played with and against him in baseball always an upbeat guy and always had a smile for you when he met you again didn’t matter how many years between meetings
Dave Knight July 16, 2026
Classmate Grand Rapids , Michigan
I remember Kenny best from playing against him in Little League and with him on the basketball court at Sacred Heart. Great athlete, great guy, great memories.
Lonna July 17, 2026
Best friend Elroy , Wisconsin
I loved every minute of being with Ken. He had so much wittiness and attitude that I absolutely loved. I forever miss our talks and I know I will always be your favorite girl. Until we meet again. Chris just know you are amazing and I could only hope for the love you had for your brother.
Tom&Kathy Jackson July 18, 2026
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
We missed Ken at Church. He always greeted us and was so friendly. Tom went to high school with him and knew him better than I did, but we both really liked him. He was a kind, gentle soul. May he rest in peace
Stan Bauer July 19, 2026
friend Wonewoc , Wisconsin
I'm sorry Kenny died. I have many fond memories hanging out on Grove Street with the family, playing kickball, and of course the nicknames.
Kathy July 21, 2026
Cousin Pompano Beach , Florida
I’m sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. The last time I saw him, he was outgoing, friendly and loaded with family stories. My thoughts are with Sharon, Chris, Laurie and Teresa.
Shannon lofquist August 08, 2026
CNA/ friend Mauston , Wisconsin
His love for baseball is something I'll never forget, when I had a few minutes to watch TV with him we watched a little bit of a movie called A league of their Own. He enjoyed seeing that movie, he hadn't seen it before until I told him about it. Sadly I couldn't watch it all with him, I had to punch back in from break. I miss him.