Submitted by: Dan Rich

Jack Landis Mueller Sr.

Nov. 11, 1921 - March 19, 2003

South Bend Tribune 3/21/2003

Jack Landis Mueller, Sr., 81, of Granger, Ind., passed away at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, in St. Paul's Health Care Center. He was born Nov. 11, 1921, in South Bend, Ind., as the son of Daniel and Ruth (Landis) Mueller, and had remained a lifelong resident. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II on Dec. 1, 1942, and was honorably discharged on Feb. 15, 1946.

On May 11, 1980, in South Bend, he married Kathie Michael, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Judy (Larry) Shaw of Elkhart, Ind., and Lacey Mueller of Granger; four sons, Greg (Pam) Mueller of Indianapolis, Ind., Chris (Korina) Mueller of Warsaw, Ind., Jack (Evelyn) Mueller of Granger and Landis Mueller of Granger; 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and by his mother-in-law, Lillian Michael of South Bend.

Jack was a man who will always be remembered for his infectious smile. "Smilin Jack" could light up a room. And his warm brown eyes would twinkle like the stars. He touched many people along his journey through life with a kind heart and gentle nature. Jack was an easy person to love. While serving in the Army Air Force, he instructed cadets and officers in hydraulic and secondary systems of the B-29 aircraft. He loved flying, and often referred to himself as a "fly boy" in World War II.

He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Granger, and was a lifelong Notre Dame fan.

Heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at St. Paul's who always treated him with dignity and respect.

Services for Mr. Mueller will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Rev. Mike Glockner, chaplain of St. Paul's Health Care, will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park. Contributions in memory of Jack L. Mueller Sr. may be made to St. Paul's Retirement Community Reflections Garden; or to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, 425 North Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601.