Michael John Mueller

Michael John Mueller, 74, of Marion, Iowa passed away peacefully on July 10, 2021, surrounded by his family at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Per his wishes, he was cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please leave a favorite memory of Mike, or an online condolence by visiting www.cedarmemorial.com under Mike’s obituary. Entrusted with the arrangements is Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Michael John Mueller was an intellectual and lifelong learner which he jokingly described as over-educated. He was also a sports fan, food aficionado, history buff, jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, and chess player as well as a project lover with a sense of humor that was witty and full of dad jokes. He was known for always wearing a suit, so he appeared to be in charge providing him access to restricted areas during wrestling meets or other large events. He never knew a stranger as he would ask officious questions immediately to connect with each new person he met. 

Mike, also known as “Mickey”, was born in 1946 in Evanston, Illinois and was thankfully adopted by Marshall & Virginia Mueller growing up in Burlington, Iowa. He was their only child & the light of their lives. He appreciated furthering his education and felt at home in a collegiate setting attending Drake University, Iowa Wesleyan, Northeast Missouri State, Western Illinois University, University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa and Iowa State University earning 1 Bachelor’s, 2 Master’s and several certifications. Mike continued sharing the love he learned from his parents with others, devoting his life to education as a teacher, coach & principal at numerous schools including various elementary schools in Burlington, Iowa, James Madison Middle School, Melcher-Dallas High School and John R. Mott High School.

Mike married the love of his life, Tanis Fortner, in 1979 after patiently waiting 10 years for her to finally say yes. They had 2 children who were his lifelong projects. He loved being a dad to his children, father figure to his students and thoroughly believed the best way to parent was to keep children busy by signing them up for every activity possible like swimming, soccer, tee-ball, scouts, tae-kwon-do, gymnastics, wrestling, track, football, and anything else that satisfied his love for acting as a taxi driver. He would never shy away from a volunteer coaching opportunity whenever the need arose. Being the natural teacher, he relished the moments where he could bring additional children along to any of these activities trying to keep them busy so they would stay out of trouble too. 

Mike retired in 2006 from education. After a few years of living in the state capital he and Tanis moved from Des Moines to Marion, Iowa to be closer to his daughter & her family. He was proud to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding & was ecstatic to become a grandparent attending as many activities as his health allowed. He continued to experience medical issues, but it never slowed down his quick wit or competitive nature. Whether on a promenade with his walker at the grocery store, a grandchild’s sporting event or at the doctor’s office, he would ask other senior members of society with walkers if they would like to race. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Tanis Mueller, son, Mark Mueller, daughter, Jeanne (Matt) Russell, grandchildren Taylor (21), Andrew (20) and Royal (3). He impacted every life he touched with his kind, patient, and loving personality. In spirit with his intellect & humor, when asked if he believed in a higher power, he immediately responded “Yes, there are many exponents.” 

Thank you to everyone who knew Mike for making this life an amazing adventure for him. He loved his life & the people he was able to meet throughout it. He would like to remind everyone to keep smiling!

Click here to visit the website of Cedar Memorial Funeral Home.