Donald G. Mueller, Jr.

Don is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Young Mueller, and his three daughters, Kristin Croce (Mike Croce), Carolyn Kelly (John Kelly Jr.), and Nancy McClain (Pat McClain). Don was beloved Pop to Isabella, Connor, and Mason Croce, Jack and Adelaide Kelly, and Henry, Nellie and Finn McClain. He was also dubbed the “King of the Babies” to his nine younger siblings, Anne Lewis (Rett Lewis), Nancy Mueller, Tod Mueller (Mary Mueller), Regina Portnoy, Pat Williams, Susan Bub (Leo Bub), Kathy Piening (Kurt Piening), Barbara Jacoby (Rod Jacoby), and Mark Mueller (Donna Mueller), as well as brother-in law to the late Christopher Young (Jane Young) and Ed Young (Jane Steele) and uncle, and godfather to many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Nancy Mueller, and in-laws, Logan and Nancy Young.

Don was born in 1955 on a Naval Base in Coronado, California, forever inspiring a lifelong love of and connection to the ocean. He spent his childhood in Richmond Heights, Missouri, where he grew up attending Little Flower parish, catching crawdads at Oak Knoll Park, and playing baseball at AB Green. Educated almost exclusively by Jesuits, Don attended high school at SLUH and college/law school at Saint Louis University.

Don practiced Corporate Healthcare Law and Public Finance as a Partner at various large law firms, initially in Chicago and then in St. Louis, before retiring in 2012. He left his mark on the St. Louis community through his work leading large transactions including the BJC merger and bond issuances for Forest Park, Anheuser Busch, and several Catholic high schools, amongst other achievements.

Don and Linda were friends as teenagers but did not kick off their official courtship until the infamous snowstorm of 1982. Together, they raised three daughters while Don coached soccer, volunteered at St. Monica parish, and perfected his homemade popcorn recipe during those early years.

Well known for his love of “The Lake” and his role as “Keeper of the Book” for his annual trout fishing trip to Rockbridge, Don fostered a beautiful network of lifelong friends and neighbors who supported him through the years.

As Pop to eight grandkids, Don passed on his faith, respect for “good music,” and love of tradition. Recently, Don pursued the art of songwriting and penned a collection of reflective, funny, and catchy tunes for his family to cherish.

Heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and care staff at Siteman Cancer Center and BJC hospice, who provided a peaceful transition for Don during this difficult journey.

Don was a husband, father, Pop, brother, son, uncle, godfather and friend. To paraphrase his favorite Beatles’ song, “In (Don’s) life, (he) loved them all.”

And he truly did.

Services: A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 24 at Little Flower Catholic Church, 1264 Arch Ave., Richmond Heights, MO 63117. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am the following morning at Little Flower Church.

The family invites contributions to be made to the Siteman Cancer Center at WashU Medicine, MSC 1082-414-2555, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105. Please indicate the gift is in honor of DONALD G. MUELLER JR. and for esophageal cancer research by writing a memo on your check. You can also give online at siteman.wustl.edu/tribute by typing in “esophageal cancer research” after selecting “Other – Designation.”