John C. Mueller, 79

John C. Mueller, 79, went home to be with his mom and family very peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2020, with his wife by his side as they were for 49 years. His passing was at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish after a long fight with being ill.

He was born on June 6, 1940, to George and Irma Mueller in Kalispell. He was an only child.

John lived most of his life in the Flathead Valley. He attended school and graduated from Flathead High School in 1960. In 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served very proudly in Germany as part of Special Forces on the Wall. He came home in 1964 and did not speak about what he did during his service in the military. After his honorable discharge, John worked at Libby Dam; painted; and drove a wrecker for Wisher’s Salvage.

In June of 1970, he met the love of his life, Audrey, in Kalispell. They were married in Kalispell on June 5, 1971. On Feb. 28, 1975, they had their only son Frederick Carl Mueller. John would take his son out to fish and get firewood. He loved his grandkids. On special holidays, like Christmas, he would give them $20 in $2 bills. John and Audrey moved to Eureka in later years where he enjoyed the slower pace of life. He was a member of VFW Post #6786 in Eureka.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Irma Smithers.

He is going to be missed greatly by all. His family loved him very much and they hope he catches that big bull trout.

Survivors include his wife Audrey; son Fred and Toddy Tollin of Brookings, South Dakota; granddaughter Melissa Lime and great-granddaughter Alia of Kalispell; and three great-grandsons.

Family and friends will have a celebration of life at a later date with military rites. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Eureka. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackengergfh.com.