Eugene 'Gene' Mueller

Eugene "Gene" Lawrence Mueller set out on his journey to meet Jesus in the early morning of Saturday, September 28, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at his home. After a courageous, three and a half year battle with an autoimmune disease and cancer, Gene is now at peace and free of pain.Born on May 2, 1938 in Carr Valley, WI, Gene was one of thirteen children to Valentine and Irene (Gruber) Mueller.In high school, Gene met his lifelong sweetheart, Nancy Dahlke. The couple married on July 25, 1959 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and during their 54-year marriage, they raised their family of five daughters in Baraboo.Gene joined the National Guard but was then drafted into the US Army in 1960 under the Berlin Crisis with the Red-Arrow Division. Upon completing his service with the Army in 1963, Gene established Mueller's Meat Market in Baraboo and owned and operated the Market until 1989. Then, for ten years, Gene worked for SR Bowden's Acoustical Ceilings installing ceilings throughout the US, including Alaska. Gene entered retirement by building his family home and becoming a hobby farmer, raising beef, beekeeping, and growing a prosperous garden.As a true disciple of God, Gene was an active member of the community. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Parish, a member of the American Legion Post #26, a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, and a rosary maker for family and parishioners. He was also a champion trap shooter, committing himself to the sport for many years and traveling across the US for various competitions. In addition, doing twelve-step work was tremendously important to him.Gene will be deeply missed by his family, wife, Nancy; five daughters, Theresa (Don) Volz, Denise (Joel) Miller, Joy (Gerry) Martin, Penny Bowden, Susan (Thomas) Robinson; seven grandchildren, Amanda (Chris) Stanfield, Andrea (John) Noto, Cortney (Adam) Bally, Wesley (Kristin) Bowden, Kyle (Genny Sharp) Robinson, Lissa (AJ) Raebel, and Tate (Courtney Stuber) Robinson; five great-grandchildren, Ariana and Kaden Stanfield, Brooke Bally, McKaylee Yancy (Bowden), and Thomas B. Robinson; four brothers, John (Patricia), Harold, Marvin (Jeanie), Michael (Diane); five sisters, Grace Barden, Mary Jane (Phil) Manthey, Joan (Jerry) Henke, Monica (Daniel) Krejchik, and Catherine (David) Grinde; a brother-in-law, Eber Janzen; a sister-in-law, Joyce Mueller; his beloved dog, Murphy; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, Valentine and Irene; his sister, Helen Janzen; his brothers, Paul and David; his brother-in-law, David Barden; and his niece, Jodie Mueller.A special thank you to St. Jude's Hospice, St. Mary's Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Dr. Sessler/Internal Medicine, and Whispering Spirit, LLC for their care, guidance, and support.A Catholic Mass will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 12 noon at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Larry Bakke officiating. Prior to the service, at 10 a.m., the rosary will begin and visitation will follow from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service, at the church. Military rites will be conducted at the church following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in Gene's honor.