John E. Muller, 92, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Long Term Care in Grundy Center. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2016 at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family.
John was born on February 4, 1924 on the family farm in rural Parkersburg, Iowa, to his parents Jelsche and Dena (Kalkwarf) Muller. He was raised on the family farm and attended country school. John was united in marriage to Harriett June Thoren on October 23, 1953 at Bethal Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, Iowa. Together they welcomed their daughter Sandra Lea into their family.
John and Harriett farmed near Wellsburg until moving to Grundy Center in 1971. Upon moving to town John worked for Emerald Manufacturing for a number of years. He then worked for Sharp Plumbing & Heating until his retirement in 1987.
John was a long-time member of the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and his vegetable garden. John was also a very innovative person who enjoyed woodworking and fabricating useful gadgets and hand tools. He especially looked forward to his yearly vacation to San Diego, driving and seeing the sights along the way.
John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Harriett June Muller; his daughter Sandy (Tom) Dunham of San Diego, California; his sister Doreen Schlamp of New Hartford, Iowa; sisters-in-law Harriett Muller of Holland, Iowa and Lorraine Muller-Reiken of Marshalltown, Iowa and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Klass and Elmer Muller; sisters Lenora Kromminga, Frances Geiken and Grace Kruger. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Henry Geiken, George Kruger, Henry Kromminga and Richard Schlamp.