James A. Mueller, 73, of Rhinelander, died Feb. 3, 2012, at Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on June 7, 1938, in Milwaukee, to Arthur and Eileen Mueller. James attended St. Edward Elementary School in Racine; high school at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee; Bachelor Degree from Marquette University and Masters Degree from UW-Milwaukee.

He lived a life of love and service to others. As an associate pastor, he faithfully served the parishioners at St. Patrick’s Church in Milwaukee. He shared his talents in many ways. He volunteered his time working with the Drum and Bugle Corp for many years. He served the Spanish speaking community in the Southside of Milwaukee as acting Director of the Spanish Center. It was here that he met and later married his wife, Elena Chavez. After their first child was born they moved to Madison, where he worked as a consultant for the Wisconsin Board of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education providing help to the State Technical Colleges for programs that dealt with disadvantaged students. After his retirement in 1999, he and his wife moved to Rhinelander, where he derived great joy doing what he had done only on weekends throughout his life: boating, hunting, fishing, golfing, motorcycling, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. He gave of his time and talent in serving the community through the Department of Aging Meals on Wheels Program, helped with taxes through the AARP Program and dedicated a lot of time to NATH (Northwood Alliance for Temporary Housing). He was committed to Nativity of Our Lord Church by serving in committees dealing with building of a new church and providing Jail Ministry.

James is survived by his beloved wife Elena; son Tim (Jennifer) Chavez-Mueller and their sons, James and John; daughter, Elena Marie Berg and her sons Andrew and Noah; brother, Arthur Mueller, Jr. (Helen), Maryland, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

His grandsons were so special to him that he looked for any opportunity to get them up north to engage them in activities that only the north woods could offer them.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m., at Nativity of Our Lord Parish – St. Joseph’s site, with Father Thomas Thakadipuram officiating. Burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at church on Wednesday starting at 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass. A memorial has been established in James’s name and may be directed to the family. The family would like to thank, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Schultz, Dr. Lundberg, Dr. Fernandes and their staff for all the care they gave to James.

(Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home)