John R. Mueller (83) of Effingham

John Robert Mueller, 83, of Effingham, IL, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2019 en route to his daily IGA group gathering, a tradition he cherished and rarely missed for many years. Our Heavenly Father called John home and he will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 22 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Effingham. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

John was born June 29, 1936, in Effingham, IL, the son of Walter Sr. and Marie (Thoma) Mueller. He graduated from Effingham High School in the class of 1954. Service to others was a hallmark of John’s life. John served his family as a loving son, brother and beloved Uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He served his country by joining the U.S. Army in 1958 on active duty in California and the Reserves in Illinois. For many years, John was a service manager for Sears at a number of locations, and later owned a store in Effingham where he served his customers with quality, dignity and professionalism. He served his community through several civic organizations. He served as a friend, counselor, occasional referee and regular member of the IGA lunch group helping to “solve the world’s problems”. And most importantly he served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a lifetime member of St John’s Lutheran Church.

John is survived by his sister-in-law, Virginia Mueller of Mattoon; nieces and nephews, Steve (Marsha) Bennett, Debbie (Bob) Devall, Pam (Bob) Ploof, Cindy (Joe) Ferris, Barb (Dave) Carr, Julie (John) O’Rourke, Janet (Tim) Leikip, and Dennis Bennett (Leslie Titsworth); and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ruth and brother-in-law Carroll “Nellie” Bennett; and brothers, Walter “Cap” Mueller Jr. and Tom Mueller.

John’s family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Virgil and Mary Niebrugge, John’s long time neighbors and friends.