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Donald W. Mueller

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Donald Wayne Mueller, 87, of West Union, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at Stoney Brook in West Union. Donald was born in Boone on Aug. 30, 1934, to Elaine (Finch) and Ernest Mueller.

 

Don graduated from Boone High School in 1952, Boone Jr. College in 1954 and Iowa State University in 1956. In 1960, he completed a master’s degree from Drake University and, in 1987, a PhD from Iowa State University. He served seven enlisted years of service with Hq. Btry., 34th Infantry Division Artillery from 1951-1957. He was in Class I of the Iowa Military Academy-Camp Dodge, an Infantry Off. Basic Course, graduating with honors in 1958. He served in Artillery units in Boone and Jefferson in 1958-1963, completing the Artillery Officer Basic course at Fort Sill, Okla., in 1962. He resigned his commission in 1963. 

 

He started teaching in the Roland Community School in 1956 and was superintendent from 1960-1969. He married Marilyn DuBois on June 2, 1957, and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2007. He also served as superintendent for one year in Manning and 19 years at the North Fayette Community Schools of West Union. Retired from that position in 1989 and for the next 12 years he was the administrator of the Keystone Area Education Agency #1, of Elkader, serving 24 high school districts in the eight northeast Iowa counties. He retired in 2001 with 45 years in public education and 41 years as an administrator. 

 

Don re-entered military service with the National Guard Selective Service Section, of the state headquarters, at Camp Dodge in 1977. During this period, he completed the Adjutant Generals Advanced Course and the National Defense University Course. He retired in 1988 as a lt. colonel with 28 years of service. 

 

He was a member of two university honor societies, Phi Delta Kappa and Epsilon Pi Tau (Laureate Citation). He was active in community organizations, serving as president of the Roland Kiwanis Club and the West Union Rotary Club, and with membership in the Masonic Council and the board of directors - president in 1989. He served two terms on the Zion Lutheran Church Council and one term following retirement in 2001 as treasurer. Since retirement, he has served on the advisory council and foundation committee of the Good Samaritan Center in West Union. He and Marilyn also worked on the 2006 Palmer Lutheran Hospital Building Fund Drive. Don also served on the committee to raise funds for the new daycare in West Union. 

 

His interest following retirement included family contacts, traveling, woodworking and the study of history. He was a member of the West Union History Club since 1970, with special interest in military history, history of the KuKluxKlan, the one room school and Dwight D. Eisenhower. His extensive collection of Dwight D. Eisenhower memorabilia was later donated to the Boone Iowa Historical Center. 

 

Don is survived by his wife, Marilyn (DuBois); his four children, Janelle Mueller of Des Moines, Dawn (Bill) Chally of Stratford, Karen (Steve) Cromer of Lakeville, Minn., and Kurt (Carol) Mueller of Sound Beach, N.Y.; grandchildren, Sienna Hunter, Megan Chally, Stacie (Chally) Iles, Brady Cromer, Reece Cromer, Jessica Biscardi and Garrett Mueller; and three great-grandchildren, Eva and Henry Iles and Jersey Hernandez. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

 

Visitation was held Feb. 17, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home, West Union. A funeral service was Feb. 18, at Zion Lutheran Church, with presiding minister Isaiah Stansbery officiating. Military honors followed the service at the church. Burial was Feb. 19, at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone.  

 

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union is assisting the family with arrangements.

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