Marvin Reuben Mueller

On November 23, 2015, Marvin Reuben Mueller was welcomed into the presence of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Marvin was born on January 31, 1925 on a rural farm near Parkston, SD to Fred and Anna (Doering) Mueller, baptized at Kulm Lutheran Church in rural Parkston.  He was confirmed at First American Lutheran Church in Tripp, SD, and graduated from Tripp High School in 1943.  After serving in the military for the next 3 years during WWII, he earned the Purple Heart Honor which he humbly declined. Marv attended South Dakota State University in 1946-47, returning to Tripp in 1947 and marrying Helen Nolz on September 7, 1947 at Salem Lutheran Church in Parkston, SD.  They resided in Tripp for their entire married life of 58 years. 
Marvin worked alongside his father at Mueller’s Hatchery in Tripp, SD and became the sole owner in 1963.  He served as the President of the South Dakota Poultry Improvement Association and was on the board of Directors for a total of 24 years.  Marv was active at First American Lutheran Church serving as Sunday School Superintendent for 28 years.  
Marvin was credited with “a willingness to work and the ability to lead” which can be seen throughout the community.  He proudly served as Mayor of Tripp, SD for approximately 10 years and was instrumental in development of the Tripp swimming pool, beautification project of the Tripp cemetery, the town’s first tree farm, and the Tripp Good Samaritan Home.   He served as past president of the Tripp Commercial Club and a longtime member of the Tripp American Legion since 1946 where many could find him selling raffle tickets at the front gate during the Tripp Sports Day Celebration. He was a committed servant to his town and his projects but he would strongly state “we couldn’t have accomplished this without the help and support of local members and coworkers.”   
Marv‘s love of music and golf carried him throughout his life.  He was active in the Men’s Choir at First American Church, barbershop quartet and the Dakota Chorale.  His passion became a part of his profession as he developed a business of building and repairing clubs. 
Grateful for sharing his life are his 7 children:  Sandy (Chris) Fischer, Sioux Falls, SD; Connie (Timothy) Jackson, Houston, TX; Karyl (Bob) Shultz, Phoenix, AZ; Karin (Roger) Schneider, Schleswig, IA; Marc Mueller, Oklahoma City, OK; Lynn (Jerry) Kerns, Dell Rapids, SD; Jennifer (Layne) Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD; 16 grandchildren and  15 great-grandchildren.   His 3 sisters: Audrey Keller, Honolulu, HI; Doris Kampfe, Phillipsburg, KS; Helen Rae (David) Bracklein, Saline, MI. Lillian Graber and Margo Bowling shared a special part of his life for the past 8 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna Mueller and his wife Helen.  
The family has requested no flowers please.  Donations may be made to the Lutheran Outdoors in South Dakota.  Marvin was a committed, faithful believer and supporter of outdoor ministry. 

held one hour prior to service