NORTH WEBSTER – Richard L. “Rich“ Mueller, 86, of North Webster, died at 5:18 p.m. Aug. 4, 2012, in his residence.
He was born Nov. 10, 1925, in Chicago, Ill., to Herman Otto and Pearl Olive Ryan Mueller. On Aug. 26, 1977, he married Carroll A. Ott Speaker, who died Sept. 3, 2009.
He attended high school in Chicago and attended the University of Chicago. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran. He lived most of his life in the Noble/Kosciusko County areas, having moved to North Webster 30 years ago. He retired from Dana Corp., Syracuse, after 32 years of service. He was a member of American Legion Post 253, North Webster, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Syracuse. He was a Purple Heart recipient.
Surviving are four daughters, Cathy Lewallen, Karen (and spouse Rolly) Badorek, and Carol Rittershouse, all of Syracuse, and Kay (and spouse Craig) Hardy, Leesburg; a stepdaughter, Sue (and spouse Ron) Browning, Albion; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by two brothers and two stepbrothers.
A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Salem Cemetery, Wilmot, with Pastor Harlan Steffen officiating and with military rites by members of the North Webster American Legion Post 253.
Owen Family Funeral Home, North Webster, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be given to Center for Hospice Care, 22579 Old U.S. 20E, Elkhart, IN 46516.
Condolences may be sent via www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com
