Mr. Clair Mueller Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Clair W. Mueller, age 94 of Wautoma, was welcomed home by his heavenly Father on August 17, 2017. He was born on March 18, 1923 to Julius and Leona (Smith Koenig) Mueller in the town of Rib Falls, Wisconsin. The family later moved to Winneconne, where he was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1936. He then moved to Milwaukee, where he was fortunate to live under the guardianship of Fred and Stella Tetzlaff. Clair graduated with honors from Boys Technical and Trade School and went on to serve in the Army during World War II. On August 25, 1946 he married Edna June Poppeck in Harbor Beach, Michigan. They established their home in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa where they raised two children, Debra and Scott. He was employed for over 40 years by Chain Belt which later became the Rexnord Corporation. Clair was very proud of the fact that he had trained several apprentices and acquired a number of patents. Following his retirement as chief Tool and Die Engineer, he did consulting work in Brazil, Europe, and Mexico. A highlight of his life was being chosen in 1965 to test drive the Turbine Car created by the Chrysler Corporation. His love of cars can be seen in the 1938 Chevy that he and his son restored to perfection. He was a member at Apostles of Christ Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa where he served as chairman of the congregation for many years and was a driving force in establishing the Boy Pioneer program. In 1962 he purchased property on Deer Lake near Wautoma, WI. The summer home is his legacy and nothing made him happier than watching his great grandchildren swimming in the lake. He became a permanent resident at the lake when Edna’s battle with Altzheimers required that she have extra care at Preston Place in Redgranite. Only snow storms kept him from his daily visits for nearly four years. He would often take his accordion and guitar with him to entertain the residents. Clair was an accomplished musician, even though he had never taken a lesson and was unable to read music. At age 90 he was still traveling with his instruments to area retirement homes to entertain “the old people”. Edna passed away in 2007 after they had celebrated 61 years of marriage. Clair had met Margaret Hedrick at the Altzheimer Support Group meetings and they continued their friendship. They were constant companions and shared a love of music. Clair felt very blessed to have found another person to share his life with. His positive attitude and sense of humor continued on, until the day he died. Survivors include his very special friend, Margaret Hedrick of Wautoma, his daughter, Debra (David) Johanknecht of Berlin, his son, Scott Mueller of Waukesha, grandchildren Jason (Nicole) Johanknecht of Wautoma and Erin (John) Morgen of Oshkosh, and great grandchildren, Madison Johanknecht and Benjamin Morgen. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Clair was preceded in death by his wife, Edna, his sisters, Gloria Mueller, Edith Rubow, Pauline Treichel, and Georgette Gresens, his brothers, Bernard, Lawrence, Julius Jr, Rudolph, and DeLois (Jack) and his daughter in law, Patti Mueller. Funeral services will be held at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 335 West Prairie Street in Wautoma on Friday, August 25th at 11:00 am with Pastor Roger Riedel officiating. Family and friends may call at the church from 9 until 11am prior to the service. Entombment will take place at Wisconsin Memorial park in Brookfield, WI at a later date. The family would like to thank Heartland House and the Grothe family for providing dad a place that he was happy to call “home”. Special thanks to the staff, especially Bev Walker, for the very capable and compassionate care they gave him. Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home 116 S. Adams Ave Berlin, WI 54923

Mr. Clair Mueller

March 18, 1923 - August 17, 2017