Thomas J. Mueller
July 07, 2023
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Service Details
Thomas J. Mueller, 79, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 and is resting in eternal peace. He is survived by his daughters, Melanie and Kelly; his eldest sister, Sue Engstrom; and his beloved fur buddies, Cookie and Haley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Elfrieda (Rische) Mueller; his younger sister, Joanne Poole; and his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon (McWhirter) Mueller.
He was a native of Dundee, Illinois and a graduate of Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa and The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em Horns!), where he met the love of his life and earned his Ph.D. His life’s journey took him on a path from pursuing research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee and at Indiana University’s Medical School in Gary, Indiana; to teaching at IU Northwest and Des Moines University; to heading up the Microbiology Department at DMU; and eventually, to taking on the role of Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs at DMU. Ever the advocate, he was known for and took great pride in pushing to ensure the students and their experience and, ultimately, their success remained his and the school’s primary focus. Upon retiring, he spent time as a school crossing guard, where he truly enjoyed getting to interact with the many Hanawalt students and their parents through the years.
He’d be the first one to laugh at himself or at his own jokes and he could always brighten a room or lighten a rough day with his colorful neckties, his magnetic and lovable personality, his gentle and caring ways and his ever-present smile and unforgettable, infectious laugh. A true example of humility, kindness, grace, compassion, love and joy, he was adored by all who knew him.
Dad, you were more aMAZEing than your organized, giant stacks of papers in your office; you were more exuberant than your eclectic collection of wild and crazy ties; you were sweeter than the five bags of Halloween candy that you did not share; and you were funnier than the many obnoxious gifts you gave and pranks you pulled. But mostly, you were our rock. You were a uniquely thoughtful and caring soul with a heart of pure gold; you were a steady, bright ray of light; you were an incredible display of strength in the face of immense pain; you were selfless and giving of your time, without hesitation, for anyone you knew; you were an encouraging and supportive presence day in and day out; you raised up everyone around you; and you embodied everything we can only hope to be ourselves.
Whether the title coach, teacher, advisor, colleague, friend, confidant, uncle, brother, husband, or dad, it was truly a joy to be around you and a blessing to have you in our lives. We are so amazed by everything you brought to this world and the far-reaching legacy you are leaving behind. Thank you for instilling humor in our lives and for infusing this universe with your genuine, good-natured, happy-go-lucky spirit. You left a forever imprint on all of us and your love and your light will live on through all of the lives you’ve touched!
To say we miss you already or we were sad to say goodbye doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. To know you are with Mom again, though, adds a sense of happiness amidst the pain. Heaven certainly earned another great one; an angel plucked right from the Earth. May you continue to raise us up and to be our light and to help us find peace in the many journeys ahead.
We love you and we are so grateful for your tenderness, your quick wit, the magnitude of your strength, your unwavering positivity, and your unconditional love. You’ll always be the bigger dork and THE BEST Dad to ever exist! We will miss the laughs and we will think of you often until we get to see that big smile of yours again. See you on the other side, Daddio!
A Memorial Service to recognize and celebrate his life will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines, Iowa, with a reception to follow. Donations, if you wish, can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Ben Gaumer, DO
08/08/2023
Very saddened to hear this news. Dr M was always a joy to work with on projects where we shared a common interest. I will always think of him fondly.
Treena
07/28/2023
I knew Dr Mueller from my time at DMU. He was the absolute best!! He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Kelly W.
07/28/2023
I thought about Dr. Mueller earlier this week. I wanted to write to him and tell him how grateful I was for his support/encouragement and give an update on my career. I kept my acceptance letter from DMU as it contained a personal message from him at the bottom which was so genuine and personalized. He was such a special person. Im so sad to hear he is gone and I couldnt say thank you to him! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story about his life. Im sorry for your loss!
Judi M
07/22/2023
I knew Tom as a friendly crossing guard who always had a smile and a positive morning greeting! Every school day I passed him on my way to work at Hanawalt Elementary. Often stopped by the light, wed exchange a quick conversation. His smile and warm daily greeting made for a wonderful start to my day. When his wife passed, students wrote cards and delivered them to him. He was a special person that truly made a difference!
Alex Phan
07/18/2023
I'm truly sorry to hear about the passing of your father. May fond memories of his smile and the care he provided to his students help you through this difficult time. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you strength and healing as you cope with this loss.
Janis
07/14/2023
Oh Melanie and Kelly - I am broken hearted for you both. :(
Your Dad was simply the best. He was such a kind, gentle, funny soul! I will always remember our holidays and family dinners and playing games with you all and how silly and funny he was.
I can't even fathom your pain and loss right now.
Praying for peace and comfort for you both. Love you
joanne Bednarz-Prashad
07/13/2023
Dear Tom, I have know you since 1966 at the University of Texas at Austin, when we worked our way through grad school toward our doctorates. You were so smart, so talented in the lab, so funny and so wonderful through those years of study. You were creative and a good friend to all of us in the lab, and sometimes a little nutty, but in a very good way. One particular episode stands out and involves taking a class in Field Mycology from an International Known Mycologist. You saved both our grades! You met and married the most wonderful person, Sharon, and built your research and teaching career so beautifully. You gave the same devotion to your students as you did to all your research and lab mates. You supporting Sharon as she trotted the globe with medical teams, echoing your love for service and people. Your family was strong and wonderful to know. I miss you, and am so sad about your passing. I will find it especially so when you are not available for a post marathon dinner in October. I send my love and condolences to Kelly and to Melanie, and to your family. I feel so fortunate to have known you, Tom.