Memorial

Rex D. Mueller, 86, died January 24, 2017 at Hiawatha Care Center after a long illness. According to his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Iowa. Military services and inurnment will be held at a later date at the Keokuk National Cemetery.  Entrusted with the arrangements is Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Rex was born on the family farm near Donnellson, Iowa on April 10, 1930 to Earl and Clara Mueller. He graduated from Donnellson High School as class salutatorian in 1947. Always a hard worker, his early employment included labor for nearby farm neighbors; irrigation and ranch work in western Kansas; apple harvest in Yakima, Washington; factory work in Burlington, Iowa; and retail store work in Donnellson, Iowa.

Rex served in the United States Army from August, 1951 through July, 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged as Corporal and received four medals: the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. On Veterans Day, 2016 he was recognized by the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.
On August 19, 1955 Rex married Carol Hooten in Fort Madison, Iowa. Carol died on November 19, 1995. Their children are Kathy Hall (Terry Pitts), Dan Mueller, and Doug Mueller; grandchildren Nick (Sarah) Mueller, David Hall, and Jessica (Brennan) Umthun; and two great-granddaughters, Cora Umthun and Caroline Mueller. On May 16, 1997, after declining an invitation to join the Peace Corps, he married Karen Tweedy Marsh in Milaca, Minnesota, and welcomed her four children and nine grandchildren to the family. Karen died on June 22, 2013. Also preceding him in death were his parents, brother Kenneth and wife Betty, and his parents- in-law.

For forty years ending in 1996, Rex had an independent business career as the owner and sole proprietor of Donnellson Feed & Fertilizer, Inc. Many long friendships were made at the feed store, where he always had a smile and something witty to say.  His professional memberships included Iowa Grain & Feed Association, Iowa Fertilizer & Chemical Association, National Fertilizer Solutions Association, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Rex was strongly committed to community service. His volunteer activities included the Donnellson Independent and Central Lee school district boards, the Donnellson City Council, Donnellson Presbyterian Church, Donnellson Lions Club, Green Acres Country Club, and American Legion Post 474. 

A highly intelligent man of honor and duty, Rex had a wry sense of humor and an unwavering moral compass. He taught his children to care for family, think for themselves, be compassionate to the weak, challenge the strong, and do the right thing.

He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorials may be made to the Green Acres Country Club and American Legion Post 474, both in Donnellson, Iowa, or a charity of your choice.