John Mueller

January 13, 1935 – April 22, 2025

Sarasota, Florida

With great sadness, we announce the passing of John Mueller, aged 90, on April 22, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born in Zdunska Wola, Poland, on January 13, 1935, to Josephine Laskowski and Berthold Mueller, John’s remarkable journey began when, at the age of 16, he and his family immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island, eventually settling in Youngstown, Ohio. His life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of his passions.

John’s love for dance defined much of his life’s work. Trained as a dance instructor at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Youngstown, Ohio, he moved to New York City in the late 1950s, where he taught at the prestigious 5th Avenue Arthur Murray Studio. Over the years, John became a highly respected dance director, certified judge, and master teacher in various styles, including American and International Ballroom, Latin American Dance, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Disco, and Country Line Dancing. His devotion to dance led him to Florida in the late 1960s, where he managed several dance studios before becoming the proud owner of the first Sarasota location of Arthur Murray Dance Studio in 1980. Over the next decades, he expanded his business to six studios across Florida. As he approached retirement age, John left the franchise business and opened Saradance, an independent studio that he operated until June of 2020.

Throughout his life, John lived by the mantra, “Find something you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” This belief guided not only his career but also his personal life, where his kindness, generosity, and passion for helping others left an indelible mark. A man of incredible strength—both physically and emotionally—John was known for his kindness and his ability to see the best in others. He was always quick to lend a hand, whether offering advice, a meal, or support for those in need. He was particularly passionate about helping the homeless, regularly donating food, clothing, and money to the Salvation Army, which was a cause close to his heart.

Outside of dance, John was an avid golfer, earning the nickname “Bushel John” for his daily ritual of hitting a bushel of golf balls at the driving range. He was also a former boxer and weightlifter, with a love for sports that included soccer in his youth and a lifelong enthusiasm for watching football, boxing, and golf.

John is survived by his loving wife, Geneva (Ginny) Mueller; his children, Michael Mueller, Edward Mueller, and Michelle Mueller Lea; his grandchildren, Michael John Mueller, Chante Mueller, Connor Lea, Chelsea Lea, William Lea, and Thomas Lea; and his sisters, Olga Dorfi and Basia Smith. He was predeceased by his parents, Josephine and Berthold Mueller, and his sister, Maria Mueller Thomas.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held on May 3rd beginning at 4pm for all those that knew and loved him. Location Saradance Studio - 2821 Cattlemen rd , Sarasota, Florida 34232.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s honor to the Salvation Army, a cause he supported throughout his life. Donations can be made here: Salvation Army Donation.

John’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the many who were blessed to know him. His spirit, kindness, and passion for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. For those that knew him well "HELLO, HELLO" and "HOW COME YOU'RE SO GOOD?"