Merrill W. Mueller

*Due to the weather, the gathering for Merrill has been cancelled* Merrill W. Mueller was born July 15, 1941, in Omaha, Nebraska to Werner and LaVerne (Denker) Mueller. Merrill grew up in Elkhorn, where he attended school. From an early age, Merrill worked on the family farm, and he had a hand in farming for the rest of his life. Merrill married Sue Wollen on September 12, 1959, and to this union, four children were born: Jeff, Joyce, Jill and Joie. The couple later divorced. Merrill worked as a heavy equipment operator, worked on a ranch in Burwell, Nebraska, then started his own trucking company, moving to Elkhorn, and then settled near Mead, Nebraska in 1980. In Mead, Merrill did custom hay, as well as cow and calf herding. In one way or another, he was always working with cattle and was known across the Midwest as one of the best “cow guys”. Merrill was a tough, ornery man, who was a great storyteller, and was willing to help anybody with anything. If he wasn’t working with the cattle, he enjoyed riding horses and spending time in the pasture watching the eagles’ soar. He also had a knack at hunting for mushrooms. Merrill had compassionate eyes that sparkled when he grinned, especially when he was poking fun at the boys. He was proud to have passed one million miles on his semi. Merrill passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Arbor Care Center-Valhaven in Valley, Nebraska at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 25 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Werner and Laverne, his sister, Joyce Mueller Raether, and his ex-wife Sue Mueller. Merrill is survived by his children: Jeff (Wendy) Mueller of Blair, NE, Joyce Mueller of Omaha, Jill (Kevin) Mueller Hartman of Valley, NE and Joie Mueller Crane of Omaha, 6 grandchildren: Nathan (Makayla) Redwing, Natasha Redwing, Nicholas (Katie) Hartman, Neil Hartman, Charlie Crane, and Tyler Crane, 4 great grandchildren: Clementine Redwing, Merigold Redwing, Colt Jay Hartman and Stryker Hartman, brothers and sisters: Monte (Sandy) Mueller of Yutan, NE, Lori Gottsch of Elkhorn, Lisa (Donny) O’Dell of Elkhorn, nephews Mike Mueller and Matt (Stephanie) Mueller. He is also survived by his longtime partner Darlene Coyle and her children Pat Coyle, Mike (Misty) Coyle and Janelle Coyle, and her 8 grandchildren: Jordan, Tyler, J.T., Jayden, Trey, Mason, Harper and Hope. Merrill also is survived by his loving, devoted companion Diane Halterman, her daughters: Jane Bussen, Janette Demaray, and Janet Christensen, and their families. There will be a gathering for family and friends of Merrill at the Elkhorn Eagles Club on Saturday, November 29, 2025, beginning at 2 PM. Food and drinks will be served.

Merrill W. Mueller

July 15, 1941 - November 9, 2025