Joyce Mueller

Joyce A. (Thaler) Mueller, 77, of Rockford passed away Monday, September 3, 2018, in Fairhaven Christian Retirement Home. Joyce A. Thaler was born on April 5, 1941, in Chicago, IL, and grew up in Hinsdale, IL, the daughter of Elmer and Irma (Christiansen) Thaler. She enjoyed visiting her grandparents’ farm to play with her sisters, Jean and Judy, and her eleven first cousins (and best friends). She loved to share stories of the antics and jokes they played on each other. Joyce was an excellent cook and got her start in the kitchen as a school girl. She was responsible for watching her younger sisters after school and preparing supper while her parents were at work. When one of her dinner dishes didn’t turn out as planned, unbeknownst to her parents at the time, Joyce wrote to the soup company who had published the recipe. She said their recipe turned out so poorly that it killed their dog. The soup company responded with a letter of condolences and a crate of soup with their apologies. Joyce met her soul mate through mutual friends. She dated this gentle giant while attending Northwestern College of Nursing, and later married Kennard O. Mueller on June 25, 1960, in Brookfield, IL. The newlyweds moved to Springfield, IL, so Ken could attend Concordia Theological Seminary. Ken’s vicarage year took them to Puyallup, WA, where the young couple developed a very special friendship with the Martinsons. These people remain family to this day. Ken and Joyce served several congregations throughout their 47 years of marriage: Epiphany Lutheran, Bothel, WA; Concordia Lutheran, Machesney Park, IL; Peace Lutheran, Dunnelon FL. The lure of grandchildren brought them back to Rockford, IL, in their twilight years. Together Ken and Joyce lived a full and happy life, dedicating themselves to raising their family while serving their various LCMS congregations. Joyce made many sacrifices for her family while raising four children and supporting Ken and his ministry. Although she was never a licensed nurse, Joyce used her education to care for her children’s bumps and bruises of all sizes and acuity. Joyce enjoyed many facets of church life throughout the years, but singing in the choir was her favorite, resulting in many special friendships. While the children were growing up, holidays were celebrated with extended family the Kleins. Joyce had a keen sense of humor and loved witty exchanges. She had fun with good natured teasing, April Fool’s jokes, scavenger hunts, and creating amusing Easter Egg hunts. Joyce could often be found working crossword puzzles or the cryptoquote or sketching floor plans of houses. Other activities she enjoyed include Bible study, bowling, watching old movies, playing board or Uno games, cards and finding agates along the Oregon coast. She enjoyed special times with her grandchildren, taking delight in their activities. Joyce loved all of the family dogs; however, she indulged Pokey more than any of her beloved furry creatures. Our mother’s legacy will continue to live through her children and grandchildren. We celebrate the life of this clever, witty and wonderfully loving woman. Survivors include her children, Christina (Lance) Eldridge, Sara (Scott) Sautel, Kennard J. Mueller and Andrew J. Mueller; grandchildren, Hunter and Elizabeth Eldridge, Samuel Sautel and Jacob Mueller; sisters, Jean (Mike) Shannon and Judy Doty; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Kennard; parents; and granddaughter, Grace Sautel.

Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018, in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Northwest Site, 4881 Kilburn Ave., Rockford, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, or Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN.  Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., of Loves Park.