John G. Mueller

JOHN G. MUELLER of Fort Wayne, Indiana, loving husband, father, and grandfather was surrounded by his family as he joined his Savior in heaven on Friday, January 24, 2020 following an unsuccessful emergency heart procedure. John now sings joyfully with all the saints and Heavenly Host!

John was born April 14, 1939, in Dearborn, MI, son of John A. and Ruth (Zehnder) Mueller. Most of his childhood years were in St. Louis, MO, where John’s passion to become a Lutheran church musician and teacher began, his father being the role model for a life of service to the church and a genuine love for his Lord.

John attended Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, IL (1961), and St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, IN (1967). His first Call out of Concordia River Forest was to serve as church musician and teacher at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford IL, (1961-63). He married the love of his life, Barbara M. Berndt, on July 21, 1962, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, MI. In 1963, John accepted a Call as Minister of Music and Teacher to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, where he and Barb would faithfully serve the church for the next 43 years, retiring in 2006. A highlight of John’s music ministry at Holy Cross was the annual Service of Song, for which he was instrumental in planning and directing. In retirement, he continued his love for music, organ, and choir directing. He and Barb annually participated in the Fort Wayne Senior Games, and both took great pleasure in helping to plan activities for Holy Cross’s Senior Saints group. On game nights, it’s possible one might have heard John cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals or the Michigan State Spartans…a life-long fan! Loving the game of tennis, he was a competitive player and professional instructor for many years in Fort Wayne and New Haven (Parks & Rec). John regarded family as a most precious gift, for which he was extremely grateful, lovingly taking on the role of spiritual leader. He became the role model for his children and grandchildren as his father was once for him. While he served the church with a humble spirit, John boldly proclaimed Christ’s love and Gospel message to generations of students, children’s choir members, church choir members, our Fort Wayne community, and the church at large. John’s life of ministry defined selflessness and a dedication to the Great Commission, to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) Some might describe John’s love for Christ and his commitment to the church as unparalleled.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara M. (Berndt) Mueller; daughters, Renee (Paul) Marinko of Fort Wayne and Shelly (Larry) Koelper of Fort Wayne; son, Craig (Stephanie) Mueller of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Lauren, Amber (Jordan) Eberly, Rachel, and Andrew Marinko; Nathan, Rebecca, and Andrew Koelper; and Abigail, Jonathan, Jenna, and Benjamin Mueller; also beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families and children. John was preceded in death by his father, John A., and mother, Ruth, as well as his sister, Annette Brelje.

The funeral service is 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3425 Crescent Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2pm- 4pm and 6pm-8pm on Friday, January 31, 2020, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Memorial contributions will go to Concordia University Chicago church worker scholarships, Worship Anew, and Holy Cross Organ Fund.