Norman Edmund Mueller died Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, in Hillsboro, at age 89.
Norman was born in Newton on June 6, 1925, the oldest child of Gerhard Gustav Mueller and Ruth Anna Johanna Utech. A lifelong Kansan, he grew up in Ellsworth, Wilson, and Tampa, along with his brothers Earl and Paul and his sister Leora. He graduated from Tampa High School in 1943, and promptly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He fought in the Pacific in World War II, and was recalled for the Korean War as well. His military service was of central importance to him and a source of great pride to his wife and family.
Back at home, Norman and his brothers operated Cardie Oil Company from Tampa. Their business began with a service station in Tampa and fuel distribution to farms, homes, highway, and other construction sites. It eventually grew to five gas stations and four convenience stores in several central Kansas counties. The business was a successful and highly respected enterprise. It and its owners were known for their integrity and commitment to their customers.
Norman was a lifelong Lutheran and longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, whose congregation he served in almost every capacity possible.
Norman and his wife Vivian Pope Mueller were married in Durham on Sept. 10, 1948. They had three children, whom they raised in Canada, Norm (Christine Murphy) of Denver, Colorado; Barry (Julie) of Healdsburg, California; and Jo (Wade) Alexander of Marion and Salina. Norman is survived by Vivian and their children and his brothers, as well as eight grandchildren — Norm’s children Luke, Adam (Tenley), and Claire Mueller (Carlos Bustos Jara); Barry’s sons Brandon (Jennen), Travis and Spencer Mueller; and Jo’s daughters Erin (Shawn) Markley and Caitlin (Jake) Adkins, and eight great-grandchildren — Jeremy, Theo and Kole Mueller; Ella, Lily and Logan Markley; and Reagan and Quinn Adkins. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Leora, and one grandson, Nathaniel.
The funeral service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, Hillsboro. Visitation with family will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion. A committal service with Military Rites in the Marion Cemetery will follow the visitation.
Memorial funds have been established for Zion Lutheran Church and Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion KS 66861.