Marvin E. Mueller Jr., 71, of Lincoln passed away on June 1, 2017. Born November 6, 1945 to Marvin E. Sr. and Shirley (Heibel) Mueller in San Angelo, TX. Marvin was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Marvin grew up in Columbus, Nebraska. He went by “JR” with his family and friends. He grew up on a farm north of Columbus. He graduated from Columbus High School where he was a three-sport standout in football, basketball, and track. He was inducted into the Columbus Discoverer Athletic Hall of Fame.
He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on a football scholarship. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education. He was a three-year letterman in football, started every game as a defensive back, was co-captain his senior year, was an Academic All American in 1966, was the first recipient of the Guy Chamberlin Award, played in the Orange Bowl in 1965 and the Sugar Bowl in 1966.
He taught and coached at St. Paul, Bellevue, and finally at Lincoln High for 27 years. He later farmed east and south of Lincoln. He started with a custom hay business and grew the operation over the years. He loved being a steward of the land and worked to learn the best conservation and land management practices. He was happy to be able to farm with his son, Tom, over the last few years.
Marvin also served in the Nebraska Army National Guard. After completing Officer Candidate School, he served as a tactical officer. He retired as a Captain after seven years of service.
More than anything, Marvin was a humble friend and mentor to many, and cherished his family and his grandsons.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathy (Kuska) Mueller; daughter Kristine (Greg) MacKinnon; son Tom (Meghan) Mueller; grandsons Tavin and Stuart MacKinnon, T.J., Blake, and Micah Mueller; sisters Anita Long and Karen Russell; brothers Gary (Janelle) Mueller and Tim (Suzanne) Mueller; mother-in-law Madelyn Kuska; many nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones. Preceded in death by his parents.
Celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday (6-6-17) at Faith Lutheran Church, 8701 Adams Street, Lincoln. Prior inurnment at 9 am, Tuesday, at Trinity Lutheran of Walton churchyard cemetery.
A memorial gathering with family greeting friends will be held from 6-7:30 pm Monday (6-5-17) at Roper and Sons Funeral Home, 4300 ‘O’ Street.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Faith Lutheran Church and School, or the University of Nebraska Foundation in Marvin’s name.