Sept. 5, 1935-Sept. 25, 2012
The Rev. Donald R. Mueller, 77, Gibsonburg, passed away on 12:22 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
He was born on Sept. 5, 1935, in Venedocia, to Aloysius and Evelyn (Hessling) Mueller, who preceded him in death..
He is survived by his siblings, Angela (Jerry) Hohlbein of Ottoville, Sister Diane (Anna Marie) Mueller of Tiffin and his brother, Joseph (Diane) Mueller of Delphos; and 14 nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by sisters, Janice Deitering and Rose Ann Mueller; and his brother-in-law; William Deitering.
After attending St. John Grade School, Father Mueller entered the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, where he graduated from high school and college and completed theology studies for the priesthood. He was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Toledo on May 21, 1961, by Archbishop Egidio Vagnozzi at the Josephinum.
He was an assistant or associate pastor at five parishes: St. Peter in Huron (1961); St. Jude in Toledo (1961-1963); Immaculate Conception in Ottoville (1964-67); St. Wendelin in Fostoria (1967-71); and St. John in Toledo (1971-74). Father Mueller then served six parishes as pastor: St. Stephen, The Bend and Immaculate Conception in Marysdale (1974-1983); St. Ann in Toledo (1984); and Sacred Heart in Bethlehem and St. Joseph in Plymouth (1984-1986). He also worked as an assistant in the Toledo mission office (1987-89); and as chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Toledo (1963), St. Francis Hospital in Green Springs (1989-97) and at St. Bernadine Home in Fremont (1997-2000). Father Mueller also substituted for many local parishes most recently celebrating his 51st year as a priest. He enjoyed playing cards, visiting with his family and fishing in his early years.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville, where his body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Bishop Leonard P. Blair will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.
Visitation will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Gibsonburg, with the Rosary said at 3:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be held on Sunday at Immaculate Conception Church, with Reception of the Body and Vespers at 4 p.m. followed by visitation until 8 p.m.
The Herman-Kinn-Veh Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gibsonburg and The Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township, assisted with Father Mueller’s arrangements.
Those wishing to send an online condolence please visit: www.hermankinn.com or www.love-heitmeyerfuneralhome.com
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