Richard P. Mueller

Richard "Dick" Mueller, 91, of Givens Health Center passed away Monday, June 8, 2015. He was the son of the late George H. and Mildred L. Mueller. He was a native of Milwaukee, but chose to live an active retirement in Asheville in 1985. He and his wife, Beth, returned to the area where they honeymooned in 1946. They enjoyed the natural beauty of the region and became involved in multiple social and service organizations. They initially resided in Crowfields, but Dick later moved to Givens Estates in 2005. Dick pursued an engineering career at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin. His education was interrupted by his service in WW II where he was a decorated member of the 96th Infantry Division, serving in the Philippines and Okinawa. After the war, he began his career with the family metal stamping business, Luitink Manufacturing Company, ultimately becoming the president. He actively participated in church and service organizations in the Milwaukee area and served on the Menomonee Falls Community Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees from 1976 – 1985. Dick was a member of the Asheville Racquet Club, the Biltmore Forest Country Club and several social men's groups. He always appreciated the opportunity of hearing or telling a good story or joke. In addition to interests in tennis, bridge and traveling, he especially treasured time spent with his family. Mr. Mueller was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, in 2003. He is survived by their children, Donald B. Mueller (Nancy) of Columbia, MO, Dr. Robert A. Mueller (Ellen) of Bristol, TN and Patricia L. Skattum (Robert) of Spokane, WA. He is also survived by his brother, Armand Mueller, of Vero Beach, FL as well as seven grandchildren (Christina, Katherine, Gregory, Randall, Jeffrey, Benjamin and Jennifer) and ten great grandchildren. A memorial service will be conducted for Mr. Mueller on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the Norma F. Pulliam Chapel at Asbury Commons in Givens Estates. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service. A private burial service will take place at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to Dr. James Ladd, the Givens Home Care Services team, Dr. Timothy Plaut and the entire staff at Givens Health Care Center for their care and support over the years. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Givens Estates, Mueller Family Endowment, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or to Mission Healthcare Foundation, Inc., PO Box 5363, Asheville, NC 28813 or to a charity of your choice. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.