Roger Lee Mueller

Dear friends and family,

Today, as we gather to honor the life of Roger Mueller, I’d like to remind you all of the incredible man he was and the legacy he leaves behind. It is with both heavy hearts and grateful spirits that we come together to celebrate his remarkable journey.

I’m Doug, his son, and am deeply privileged to share a few words about the man who meant the world to me. Many of you know him as a hardworking man of many talents, a devoted friend, and a consummate smartass.

My dad was a jack of all trades. From his days as a janitor to his expertise as a mechanic, and even owning a bicycle repair shop., he epitomized the spirit of hard work and determination. He would often raise hell about the job he was doing, but would simultaneously always give it his all. He never shied away from rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty, often literally.

But beyond his professional endeavors, it was my dad’s character that truly set him apart. His willingness to rise to any challenge with a joke. Even in the toughest of times, he had a knack for lightening the mood and was never afraid to laugh at himself. I remember, when I was five or six, my grandparents came to visit. My grandpa, an old vet, was aghast that we didn’t have a flag hanging outside the house. It needed to be remedied. Now. So, Roger climbed up on the deck’s banister and set to screwing in a flag holder on the column. He slipped and fell eight feet to the concrete; got himself a busted leg for his trouble. It was bad. Grandma screamed and whisked us kids inside so we didn’t have to see. Later, grandpa came in to explain what happened. He was laughing. Roger had, laying there with his bone poking out of his leg, looked to his dad and said “Well, am I patriotic now?”

I can’t count the number of times I watched as he tinkered and fixed anything that came his way. Whether it was a broken-down car, a Nintendo on the fritz, or a shattered windshield from a certain someone (me) having a temper tantrum, he had a solution for it all. Diligence, determination, and a stubborn streak a mile long.

One of Roger’s greatest joys in life was his weekly gatherings with his friends at Charley Boy’s. Over schooners and laughter, they shared the week’s events, memories, and lots of bullshit. He’d say his eyes were blue, it was just stacked so high. These moments were precious to him, and they served as a testament to the strong bonds he forged throughout his life.

But perhaps what I respect most about my father are the countless sacrifices he made for his family. He often worked two jobs. He spent his free time learning trade skills. He’d come home from a long day working a thankless, exhausting job, and smile when he offered piggyback rides to bed that night. There were times when he didn’t eat so that we could. His selflessness knew no bounds.

As we say goodbye, let us carry forward the lessons he taught us – the importance of hard work, unwillingness to give up, and the value of family and friendship. My dad was indomitable. He loved fiercely and laughed often. I hope his memory will continue to bring us all joy and comfort in the days ahead. My dad wouldn’t want us to be sad that he’s gone, but glad that he was here.

We'd prefer the arrangements' cost to be helped with in lieu of flowers. A GoFundMe is set up to cover Trish's expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/f/roger-mueller-memorial-fund, or you can email me for donations at sleepykamistudios@gmail.com

Thank you.