Raymond H. Mueller

Raymond H. Mueller, age 93 passed away peacefully at Franklin Grove Living & Rehab Center on May 9, 2026. Born on February 9, 1933 on the family farm in Paynes Point, IL to Henry G. and Jeanetta (Bolthouse) Mueller.

Graduated from Stillman Valley High School Class of 1950 where he excelled in sports and participated in FFA. One of his proudest accomplishments was raising and showing his pet steer “Richard” at the Ogle County Fair.

Married Janet Marguerite Janssen on September 29, 1951 in Paynes Point. Together they raised 4 children. She preceded him in death on July 6, 2001 just 2 months short of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Always a farmer at heart; Ray farmed the family farm during the day and worked 3rd shift at Kable Printing in Mt Morris from 1951 – 1974. When asked why he worked so much he would always reply “The kids need shoes.”

Ray worked at the Sterling Steel and Wire Mill from 1974 – 1995. Which resulted in a move to Dixon in 1976. Upon his retirement from the steel mill, he moved to Byron where he resided prior to entering the nursing home.

Ray enjoyed going out to eat and visiting with people. He never met a person he couldn’t talk to. He had a tremendous sense of humor and always enjoyed both hearing and telling a good joke. He enjoyed many plays and shows at The White Pines Playhouse Theater. (Not sure if the attraction was the show or the buffet)

He was active in the Mt Morris Moose where he served as governor from 2009 – 2010.

He is survived by his 4 children, Paul (Audrey Beerman) Mueller of Seminole, FL, Janice (Larry) Kereven of Oregon, John (Kris) Mueller of Stillman Valley, and Penny (Darrin) Kester of Sterling; 10 grandchildren, Kathy (Alex Aguilar) Mueller, Andrea (Travis) Wood, Aubrey (Aaron) Eads, Jason (Nicole) DeGraf, Keri (Aaron) Mudge, Jeremy (Jodi) Mueller, Shaun (Laura) Mueller, Robbie Mueller, Steven (Shawna) Kester, Stephanie (Brett) Chappell; 15 great grandchildren, Hailey Aguilar, Devin (Anastasia) Aguilar, Reagan Wood, Elijah Wood, Gabriel Wood, Arlo Eads, Adler Eads, Payton DeGraf, Miles Mudge, Carter Mueller, Trevor Mueller, Rowan Mueller, Silas Mueller, Violet Mueller, Emersyn Chappell, Aleena Kester, Jameson Kester, and Jax Kester; and 2 great-great grandchildren, David Ortiz and Daniella Ortiz. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Irma (Anthony) DePorter and Margaret (Richard) Sweeney; granddaughters, Rebecca DeGraf and Jennifer Mueller; and great granddaughter, Jadyn DeGraf.

Always family first, please join us in celebrating a life well lived.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Paynes Point with Rev. Andrew Kayes officiating. Visitation preceding the service from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Cremation rites accorded. Memorials to Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon or Franklin Grove Living & Rehab Center.