Submitted by: Dan Rich

Richard A. Muessel Jr.

Nov. 11, 1921 - May 6, 2008

South Bend Tribune 5/9/2008
SOUTH BEND - Following a long battle with cancer, Richard A. Muessel Jr. died Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2008 in his home. He was a lifelong resident of South Bend. In his senior year at the former Central High School, he won the Indiana Statewide Mathematics competition and subsequently was slated to enter Harvard University. Because of his young age (15) his parents, Mardell Hildebrand and Richard A. Muessel, Sr., decided first a year at Exeter Prep School (Exeter, New Hampshire) would be beneficial. Later, after a semester at Harvard, he and other classmates volunteered in the United States Army and he was stationed 18 months in occupied West Berlin. He then returned to Harvard and graduated in the class of 1950.

On Nov. 3, 1951, he married Gertrude (Long) of Chattanooga, TN. She preceded him in death in 1987. Children include one daughter, Kristina "Cissy" (Fred) Haden of Oakton, VA; and four sons: William "Bill" Muessel of Wakarusa, Richard Muessel of Hollywood, CA, Gordon (Maryam) Muessel of New York City, and Christopher (Johanna) Muessel of Singapore. In addition, eight grandchildren survive, Amelie, Frederick, Justin and Austin Haden, Nazgol and Arianna Muessel, and Sophie and Sade Muessel; and one great-grandson, Linwood Haden. Preceding Mr. Muessel in death were his sister, Peggy Place; and a grandson, Chris Haden. Mr. Muessel had a long successful career - spanning some 55 years - in commercial real estate in St. Joseph County. He was also active in community projects. He was part of the original board that founded WNIT (PBS) plus the board of Cleland School, which later became Stanley Clark School. Other community boards included A.A.R.C. (Alcohol and Addictions Resource Center) where in 2005 he was honored with the Bronze Key Award for his outstanding service. He remained very active in helping others, young and old, recovering from alcoholism.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2008, in First Presbyterian Church, 333 W. Colfax Ave. South Bend. Rev. David Morrow and Rev. Fred Pfotenhauer will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AARC, 818 E. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, IN 46617. Palmer Funeral Home (River Park) is assisting in arrangements.