Rex Mueller

REX D. MUELLER

Hiawatha

Rex D. Mueller, 86, died Jan. 24, 2017, at Hiawatha Care Center after a long illness. According to his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Iowa. Military services and inurnment will be held at a later date in Keokuk National Cemetery. Entrusted with the arrangements is Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids.

Rex was born on the family farm near Donnellson, Iowa, on April 10, 1930, to Earl and Clara Mueller. He graduated from Donnellson High School as class salutatorian in 1947. Always a hard worker, his early employment included labor for nearby farm neighbors, irrigation and ranch work in western Kansas, apple harvest in Yakima, Wash., factory work in Burlington and retail store work in Donnellson.

Rex served in the United States Army from August 1951 through July 1953 during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged as corporal and received four medals: Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal and United Nations Service Medal. On Veterans Day 2016, he was recognized by the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

On Aug. 19, 1955, Rex married Carol Hooten in Fort Madison. Carol died Nov. 19, 1995. Their children are Kathy Hall (Terry Pitts), Dan Mueller and Doug Mueller; grandchildren, Nick (Sarah) Mueller, David Hall and Jessica (Brennan) Umthun; and two great-granddaughters, Cora Umthun and Caroline Mueller.

On May 16, 1997, after declining an invitation to join the Peace Corps, he married Karen Tweedy Marsh in Milaca, Minn., and welcomed her four children and nine grandchildren to the family. Karen died June 22, 2013.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Kenneth and wife Betty; and his parents-in-law.

For 40 years ending in 1996, Rex had an independent business career as owner and sole proprietor of Donnellson Feed & Fertilizer Inc. Many long friendships were made at the feed store, where he always had a smile and something witty to say.

His professional memberships included Iowa Grain & Feed Association, Iowa Fertilizer & Chemical Association, National Fertilizer Solutions Association and National Federation of Independent Business.

Rex was strongly committed to community service. His volunteer activities included the Donnellson Independent and Central Lee school district boards, Donnellson City Council, Donnellson Presbyterian Church, Donnellson Lions Club, Green Acres Country Club and American Legion Post 474.

A highly intelligent man of honor and duty, Rex had a wry sense of humor and an unwavering moral compass. He taught his children to care for family, think for themselves, be compassionate to the weak, challenge the strong and do the right thing. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorials may be made to Green Acres Country Club and American Legion Post 474, both in Donnellson, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.