Edward J. Muellenberg, 96, of Norwalk passed away Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta.
Edward was born Aug. 21, 1918, to Theodore and Theresa (Von Ruden) Muellenberg on St. Mary’s Ridge. He attended St. Mary’s Ridge Catholic School. In 1942, he joined the United States Army. He served in World War II from 1942–1946 and was stationed in Calcutta, India, working with the military police, guarding shipping harbors. Through his military service, he received many decorations, including the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and medals for serving in both the Pacific and American Theatre.
On April 21, 1951, Ed was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Virginia Shird. He had worked as a truck driver before he and Virginia dedicated a great deal of their lives to farming near Norwalk. He was a great and patient father who instilled a good work and play ethic in his children. He was very proud of his children and their families.
Ed enjoyed playing cards, hunting and fishing with his family, neighbors and friends. He and Virginia enjoyed travels around the United States as well as to Germany. His talent with woodworking was extensive and enjoyed by many who were lucky enough to get one of his projects.
He was skilled in many areas on and off the farm. Ed worked as a caretaker and handyman for much of Norwalk. He was known for his “joke of the day,” something everyone who knew him looked forward to. He was an active member of the Norwalk American Legion for more than 60 years, volunteered at the Tomah VA, and served on the boards of both St. Augustine Church and the Village of Norwalk during his retirement years. His most recent major undertaking occurred in 2008 with the trip to Washington D.C. on the Freedom Honor Flight. This trip with his youngest daughter, Donna, was one of the highlights of his life.
Ed’s genuine happy nature, big smile and twinkle in his eyes will be missed by those who survive him: eight children, Rosemary (Jerry) Heilman, Nancy (Lavern) Weibel, Richard (Julie) Muellenberg, Robert (Vicki) Muellenberg, Jerome (Lana) Muellenberg, David (Patricia) Muellenberg, Diane (Robert) Berendes, and Donna (Lori) Muellenberg; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia who passed away Feb. 9, 2015; his parents; two grandchildren, Kevin and Kim Weibel; and one brother, Winand (Annie) Muellenberg.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk. Pastor Michael Klos will officiate, with Father Eugene Trainer as the concelebrant. Burial with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 12, and will conclude with a rosary being prayed at 5 p.m. Visitation also will be held Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Family has requested that memorials be given to a charity of choice in Ed’s name.
Ed’s family would like to thank the Morrow Memorial Home and Hospice staff for their compassion and quality care.
Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhomes.com.
