Chris Mueller

Those who knew Chris remember a man of exemplary character who welcomed them into his heart and home. Family and friends stood first on Chris’s list of priorities, and he spent the majority of his free time cultivating those relationships. Whether it was time shared at holidays, casual celebrations, downtime fishing, or family vacations to Hawaii and Las Vegas, Chris enjoyed the people he loved, and they are many.

Born on December 5, 1942, to Hobart and Marie Mueller in St. Louis Missouri, Chris graduated from Festus High School in 1960. He left the Midwest to join the U.S. Air Force in 1961, where he served as a Military Police Officer for four years. Chris’ time in the military brought him to McChord Air Force Base in the Pacific Northwest. He delighted in telling many entertaining stories about his service, always holding in high regard those who served their country. Chris stayed in the Tacoma area where he met and married his wife of 53 years, Penny Bacon Mueller on December 14, 1962. It didn’t take long for the energetic young couple to start building their lives; which took on an entrepreneurial focus when they bought Puyallup Parker Paint, and built it into a thriving paint and decorating business with two locations. After selling the paint business, Chris ventured into new territory with the purchase of Water Management Laboratories in Tacoma, Washington, which has become one of the leading testing and analytical water laboratories in Washington State. In the mid-eighties Chris received the Business Achievement Award from the Puyallup Chamber of Commerce.

A man of uncompromising integrity and generosity, Chris’ most satisfying moments outside of family, were spent building up the community around him, and those less fortunate. He served as a Board Member for the Daffodil Festival Association, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Puyallup Area Salvation Army, and Vice-Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee of the Puyallup Chamber of Commerce. He also served honorably on the State Water Commission.

Chris is survived by his wife Penny; daughter Christa Holme Garrettson (Chad); Son Keith Mueller; grandchildren Alexis Holme, Jonathan Mueller, and Michael Garrettson; numerous relatives in Missouri; and countless friends.

Chris loved the outdoors and spent many peaceful hours on the water with his “boys” at the Potholes in the Tri Cities area of Washington. He also loved the bustle and excitement of Las Vegas, which he visited regularly with family and friends.

Chris’ legacy of love, commitment, and honor will live on indefinitely in all of those he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 30 at 1 p.m., at the High Cedars Golf Club, 14604 149th Street Court, Orting, Washington 98360.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending contributions to the Lifeforce Ministry, 15021 105th Avenue Court East, Puyallup, Washington 98373.