David Andrew Mueller passed away on Friday 5/17/19. He was born in Madison, WI on 11/30/42 to Emil and Mabel (Hamilton) Mueller. He lived in Madison for about 4 years until the family moved to the Mueller Family Farm located near Seymour, WI. He lived on the farm until 1952 when the family moved to Appleton, WI. While on the Mueller Farm, Dave attended a one room school where he skipped one grade. Dave liked to say it was because of Mom's summer schooling.
Dave excelled in school graduating from Appleton High School at age 17. He was musically talented playing both the clarinet and piano. The family was active in scouting. Dave became and Eagle Scout, setting an example that his two younger Brothers, Dean and Dwight, would follow.
After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. He graduated in 1965 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he took work with Chicago Bridge and Iron (CB&I). He spent 20 years of his career with CB&I and had the opportunity to work in Germany, Italy and Jamaica. Many valued, lifelong friendships grew out of his CB&I years.
In 1991, he accepted a new job and moved to Colorado. He performed civil engineering work for a number of years in Colorado area. Dave liked Colorado-the abundant sunshine and mountains. He lived there until he died.
Dave enjoyed nature: hiking, camping, fishing, nature photography, the Sierras, the Appalachian Trail, the Rocky Mountains, canoe trips in the Boundary Waters, and the family's land in WI. In 1975, Dave, Dean and Dwight purchased 80 acres of Sand County land near Westfield, WI. Over the years, cabins and Christmas Trees were added to the land. Dave tended many bluebird houses in the area. The Sand County Land has been a gathering place for family and friends.
Dave was a caring person, who was full of life. He enjoyed hosting and showing friends and family around Chicago, our land and Colorado. He was particularly caring to our parents, providing financial support, and in later years traveling with Mom to Washington D.C. and in the Colorado Rockies.
Life was often a challenge for Dave. After graduating from college, he was diagnosed as having bi-polar disorder. He worked hard to understand the illness and treat it with medications and counseling. He endured much disappointment because of this illness. Dave was able to perform 30 years of productive engineering work thanks to help from enlightened, humane colleagues and supervisors, the support of many good friends and his family. His final years were very difficult. The illness took a toll on his health and lead to his passing. He had a strong faith and received much support from his church.
Dave is survived by his brothers Dean (Joyce) and Dwight (Mary); nephews and nieces, Andy Mueller, Lauri Mueller Shockman , Jeff Mueller, Brian Mueller. Further he is survived by many friends from CBI and long-time friend Jim Hoffman.
The family would like to thank the Pastors and staff at Holy Shephard Lutheran Church including Pastor Rick Thompson, Pastor Michael Tekrony, Dennis Jacobson, and Barb Suder and Colorado Eldercare particularly Leila Lange and Karen Buchanan, and the staff at Mission San Miguel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care and support.
A memorial service will be held at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church on Tuesday, June 25, at 11:00 with Pastor Michael Tekrony officiating. Burial will be on Friday, July 12, at the Oakhill Cemetery next to the Hamilton homestead farm near Westfield WI.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church 920 Kipling Lakewood, CO 80215 or to an environmental organization/cause of your choosing.
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