"Just want to say how glad that I am that God dropped me off in the house where I would have Cletus for a Big Brother. Although he was pretty much gone from home when I was little--it was great getting to know him better when I finally grew up. Will remember the patients that he would have with me when I wanted him to explain something to me that he may have been working on in his shop and answer all my many questions. Rod will miss all the great navy talks that they were able to share. Will miss you a lot. Be sure not to hide all your expertise in case there needs to be some fixing / creating done amongst the angels etc. Peace to the whole family. Rod and Clara"
In loving memory of
Cletus John Mueller
March 4, 1923 - October 12, 2007
Rochester, MN
Cletus John Mueller, 84, of St. Charles, MN, died Friday, October 12, 2007 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.
Cletus was born March 4, 1923, in Quincy Township of Olmsted County to Leo and Lucy (Wieser) Mueller. He attended Dublin country school and graduated from St. Charles High School. He served in the Navy during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater until June 6, 1946. He was a mechanic and anti-war craft gunner. He was ranked 2nd Class Petty Officer. On August 17, 1949, Cletus and Florence (Conway) were married in St. Charles. Cletus worked for Currie Motors in St. Charles. Then the couple farmed for 9 years, then moved into St. Charles in 1959. Cletus worked for Crenlo in Rochester for 27 years. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Mechanical History Roundtable in Rochester, Winona County Historical Society, St. Aloysius Catholic Aid, and USS LSM Association.
Cletus enjoyed woodworking in his shop, gardening, fishing, and especially his family, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Florence of St. Charles, MN, four children; Francis (Catherine) of Rochester, MN, Kenneth (Lee Ann) of Rochester, MN, Barbara (Donald) Dvorak of Altura, MN, and Michael (Jane) of Rochester, MN; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 5 brothers, George (Carlene) of Plainview, Ted (Lucille) of Rochester, Art (Helen) of Rochester, Jim (Marie) of St. Charles, Louis (Gloria) of Sun City, AZ; 5 sisters, Leora Loftus of Dover, Sister Bona of Rochester, Clara (Rod) Burt of Rochester, Edith (Rol) Holm of St. Charles, and Marlene "Bets" (Tom) Lehnertz of Rollingstone. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Melissa Dvorak, and his parents.
The Memorial Service for Cletus will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 10:30am at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles, MN with the Reverend James Callahan officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Friends may call from 5-9pm on Monday, October 15 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Please feel free to share a memory of Cletus with the family or sign the on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=12160
Tributes
"Barb, I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you and your family."
"A quiet gentle man always ready with a smile. So sorry I was unable to make it home for the funeral. In heaven there is no diabetes! Peace and God's Blessings to Aunt Florence, Francis, Kenny, Barb and Mike."
"Our deepest sympathy, our prayers are with you always. Uncle Cletus you will be missed. Love Tim, Mary and girls."
"I have several fond memories of Uncle Cletus. I always looked forward to camping excursions when he and Aunt Florence would bring out their metal detectors and let us kids help them hunt for bottle caps and coins. Also, the chivaree we had for their wedding anniversary is something I will never forget. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Love Shannon, Josh, and family (Clara's daughter)"
"We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Mueller family. Have know some of the members of your family for many years â?? Betz being married to a Lehnertz cousin, Lee Ann and Ken â?? graduating with Lee Ann and Barb â?? working with her at Herff Jones for many years and sharing school memories. All of you remember and treasure all the wonderful memories of your loved one, as they will be an important part of your lives forever. Godâ??s Blessings and Strength to all."
"Fondest memories of Uncle Cletus are: Going to "Bass Camp" and spending the day with him and his family. Watching the gleam in his eyes when he took Ken's restored car (Model A or was it T?) for a quick spin, I think it was around the block in Eyota and listening to the flood of memories that came with that. I loved his laugh it left you feeling there was something more. He was a quiet pillar to this large Mueller family who loved and respected him and he will be missed by so many. Love & Prayers Michelle & Dick & family (Art's daughter)"
"Barb,Don & Family, I just want to let you know how sorry I am to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may it comfort you to know that others care."
"We have only good memories of Cletus. He has always been a kind and caring person, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. As an older brother, an inspiration to all of us in the family. He will truly be missed. Love, Art and Helen"