Ardell H. Mueller

Ardell H. Mueller, 92, of Pender, Nebraska died on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, Nebraska. Funeral services for Ardell will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE; Pastor Gretchen Ritola will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Monday from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson, NE. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE is in charge of services. Ardell was born February 19, 1922 in Emerson, NE to Henry and Rosa (Schutte) Mueller. Ardell was baptized October 14, 1922 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pender, and confirmed on March 21, 1937 at St. Mark’s Lultheran Church in Pender. He attended Pender High School. Ardell married Irene Hix on December 23, 1950 in Columbus, NE. Ardell served his country as a Private First Class in automatic weapons in World War II and was specially trained for construction and equipment mechanics. Ardell was stationed on the island of Okinawa. He earned the Victory Medal, Theater Ribbon and the Army Occupational Medal. He was a member of the Mule Pack where he helped to prepare for the invasion of Japan. On October 17, 1946 he was honorably discharged. Ardell served as a member of the American Legion Post in Pender, then transferred to Thurston American Legion #372. He served the Legion on various committees for over 60 years. Ardell was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He was also a chairman on the Brotherhood Farm Project, and a member of the ASCS Thurston County Board. In his free time, Ardell loved to fish and spend time with his family. Ardell is survived by his wife, Irene of Pender, NE; sons, Randy (Darlene) Mueller of Omaha, NE, Jim (Glenda) Mueller of Thurston, NE; sisters, Marilyn Hansen of Wakefield, NE, Mylet (Ted) Habrock of Emerson, NE; grandchildren, Stacey Mueller of Omaha, NE, Joel (Megan) Mueller of Omaha, NE, Leslie Mueller of Omaha, NE; great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Kayden, and Jace, and many nieces and nephews. Ardell is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Robert Mueller; brother, Harlan (Vera) Mueller; and brother-in-law, Bill Hansen.