Robert “Bob” J. Mueller August 8, 1934 - May 15, 2018 SOUTH BEND - Robert J. Mueller was born on August 8, 1934 to Jacob and Rose Mueller, and entered Heaven on May 15, 2018, passing peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family. Bob's life was marked by honesty, love, and generosity. He was a man of faith, unapologetically following Christ and always putting the needs of others before his own. He was a man of character, rooted in honesty, integrity, and humility, who used every opportunity to make things better for those around him. He was a man of great wit and humor, with a wry smile and a token “rooster” call and “abba dabba” to brighten every room he entered. Bob grew up on Donald Street in South Bend, Indiana with his three sisters, and graduated from Riley High School in 1952. He enjoyed baseball and football, and played competitive softball during his overseas Army deployment. He married the love of his life, Janice Arick in 1957. Together, they made a home in the greater South Bend area, where Bob became known as an active family man, respected and fair business owner-operator, and a man of God who led by example. He'd say, “You can always make more money but you can't make more time.” He was an avid bargain and food enthusiast. His family's lake house has welcomed hundreds of summer guests over the past several decades. Bob loved a great meal, especially if he had a coupon. He enjoyed fishing, Studebakers, and antiquing. Through the Delta-T Company and the Blue Jean Factory Outlet on S. Main Street, as well as his affinities for coins, coffee, and Shipshewana, and his love for people, Bob made many friends. He made many family memories with his three children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Debbie (Jeff) Bonta with Jason (Sarah, Cora) & Heidi (Doug, Rhett); Suzanne (Randy) Hummer with Lindsey (Andy, Tanner & Tucker) & Bryce; and Bobby (Beth) Mueller with Marissa & Jake. Bob is also survived by three sisters, Dolores Nidiffer, Marilyn Howard, and Janet (Melvin) Marcedes; and by a foreign exchange student who has been very special to Bob and Janice, Martine (Curtet) Cretegny, who lives in Switzerland. He took great pride in his grandkids and great-grandkids - their stories and presence were his joy. Over the past 14+ years following a life-altering stroke, Bob demonstrated how faith, perspective, and loving others yielded both purpose and happiness. His faith was tested and strengthened through challenges with Parkinson's; yet his attitude never wavered. Bob particularly loved and enjoyed his many wonderful therapists, nurses, and caregivers. His family would like to thank these special people and pray that Bob touched their lives with his humor, humility, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever honored in memory. Services will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 61770 Miami Road, South Bend. Rev. Kevin Meek and Rev. Steve Meck will officiate. Private burial will take place at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 pm Friday, May 18, 2018 in the Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend as well as one hour prior to services on Saturday in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations or other gifts may be given to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777; Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 61770 Miami Road, South Bend, IN 46614; or to Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be sent to the Mueller family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
05/19/2018
