Richard William Mueller of Sussex, previously of Waukesha, passed peacefully on March 20, 2025.

Richard ("Dick") was the youngest child born to Clarence & Marian Mueller on August 2, 1939, in Fort Atkinson, WI. Dick grew up playing multiple sports at Fort Atkinson High School and excelled at basketball, playing for Lakeland College where he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.

Dick and Nancy grew up in Fort Atkinson together, separated by one year in school. They began their romance while Nancy was attending University of Wisconsin-Madison with Dick at Lakeland. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage and two loving daughters.

Dick had a full career as an elementary school teacher, with the majority of his years spent at Maple Avenue School in Sussex. Dick touched countless lives during his 37 years of teaching and was a favorite among many students and fellow teachers.

Dick's hobbies included running, fishing, reading, and coaching youth sports. He loved music of many genres, particularly jazz and country. He and Nancy enjoyed traveling, including car trips with their children and camping throughout the western United States and couples' trips with friends in their retirement years. Dick loved time spent with family and friends that became like family. Being with people he loved and enjoyed was a cherished way to spend his time. Dick had a great sense of humor, was often a prankster and joke teller, and had an acceptance of others beyond compare. He would wave or high five anyone whose path he crossed.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, daughters Monica Mueller, Melissa Beckman (Joe), grandchildren Brandon Roach, Elena Beckman, and Annie Gottlieb (Gabe), three great grandchildren, sister-in-law Mona Mason, brother-in-law Sid Estenik, other dear relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, and sister Mary Estenik.

Richard's family would like to thank the staff of the Courtyard at Sussex, who treated Richard with love and respect the past two years, as well as St. Croix Hospice who provided additional personalized care to Richard and his family during his last weeks.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26th at Redeemer United Church of Christ, W220 N4915 Town Line Rd., Menomonee Falls. Visitation at 1:00 PM and Memorial Service at 2:00 PM with reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Redeemer United Church of Christ, Menomonee Falls or the Alzheimer's Association (alzfdn.org).