Harriett J Muller

Harriett June Muller, 92, of Grundy Center, Iowa passed away on Saturday afternoon March 11, 2023 at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck, Iowa. Harriett was born in Clear Lake, South Dakota on September 7, 1930 the daughter of George and Louise Thoren.

She grew up in Grundy Center and graduated from Grundy Center High School, Class of 1949. She married John Edward Muller of Parkersburg on October 23,1953 at the Bethl Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, Iowa. To this union came their daughter Sandra Lea. 

John and Harriett farmed near Wellsburg until moving to Grundy Center in 1971.

Upon moving to town Harriett worked at Don’s Dry Cleaners, Archie’s Drive-In and Park Place Restaurant, retiring in 2002. She loved working in public places and with her ability to strike up a conversation with virtually everyone she met Harriett would make new friends every day. 

She enjoyed many activities, from gardening to canning, baking (especially pies and bread) and cooking, ceramics to sewing & Crocheting Afghan blankets. Harriett also collected owls, not only from her own travels but many as gifts from friends & family.  Another one of her passions was genealogy, spending many many hours researching both the Thoren and Muller families. 

Starting in 1987 Harriett would especially look forward to her and Johnny’s yearly vacation to California, driving and seeing the sights along the way.  She was a long-time member of the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. Harriett is survived by her daughter Sandy (Tom) Dunham of San Diego, California & many nieces and nephews. 

Harriett was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John (1924-2016) of 62 years; sisters Darlene Mae Beenken (1932-1978) & Valoriea Julia Beenken (1934-1955).  In-laws: Lutjen (Sonny) Beenken, Richard & Dena (Doreen)Schlamp, Henry & Frances Gieken, Elmer & Harriett Muller, George & Grace Kruger, Henry & Lenora Kromminga, Klaas & Lorraine (Reiken) Muller.

A visitation will be held on Friday March 17,2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with funeral services at 10:00am on Saturday March 18th at the Abel’s Funeral Home Chapel in Grundy Center. Burial at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Grundy Center.