WEST UNION, Iowa—Donald Wayne Mueller, 87, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Stoney Brook in West Union, Iowa. Donald was born Boone Iowa on August 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, OK 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, Iowa 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, Iowa serving 24 high school districts in the 8 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 at 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 service 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, 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 Ku Klux Klan, 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, Iowa, Dawn (Bill) Chally of Stratford, Iowa, Karen (Steve) Cromer of Lakeville, Minnesota and Kurt (Carol) Mueller of Sound Beach, NY. Five grandchildren: Sienna Hunter, Megan Chally, Stacie (Chally) Iles, Brady Cromer, Reece Cromer, Jessica Biscardi and Garrett Mueller. Three Great Grandchildren: Eva and Henry Iles, Jersey Hernandez.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation was held Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home, 212 E. Elm Street, West Union, Iowa 52175. There was also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.
A Funeral Service was held 10:30 am Friday, February 18, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church with Presiding Minister Isaiah Stansbery officiating. Military Honors followed the service at the church.
Burial will take 1:00 pm Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.
Donald Mueller, 87, West Union, Iowa
